Chef Anthony Sturge has banned smoking from his restaurant in tribute to his father, who is dying of throat cancer.

Smokers have been asked not to light up in Quentins Restaurant, Hove, since the beginning of the year and the new policy is already proving popular.

Mr Sturge, 29, had toyed with the idea of creating a completely smoke-free environment after buying the restaurant last February.

But it was only when his father Barry was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December that he made up his mind to do it.

Barry Sturge, 53, was rushed to hospital in Surrey shortly after Christmas. He was given just hours to live but continues to battle against the illness with his family by his side.

Mr Sturge said: "It was only after I saw dad lying in hospital that I made the decision and said that's it. No more smoking.

"I suppose I don't particularly want to be reminded of the fact that is what cost him his life.

"It's also because dad helped me to purchase the restaurant. If it wasn't for him it wouldn't be here.

"He smoked all his life and had a cough for the last year but didn't bother going to the doctors.

"He knows he has terminal cancer because of the smoking but says it was his choice."

Restaurant manager Carol Hossack said: "We thought about banning smoking after one of our regular customers came in one particularly smoky night and left before dessert.

"When I asked her why she said it was because the smoke was getting under her contact lenses.

"We weren't sure what to do because we thought maybe it would be a big risk and we would lose a lot of our clientele.

"But the news about Anthony's father was the last straw.

"It brought home to him the severity of it. He just said 'If we lose some people who feel they have to smoke, then that's just the way it is'.

"So far, we've had three people light up but they have been happy to put out their cigarettes when asked.

"One said she was pleased because she didn't really like eating in a smoky atmosphere anyway.

"You will always get some people who feel a cigarette goes with food and a nice wine, so we'll lose a few customers but it will attract others.

"We've had a great response so far."