Campaigners donned jail uniforms and wrapped themselves in chains as they protested outside the HQ of a tobacco firm.

The chain gang, made up of South West representatives of anti-tobacco campaign group Ash, made the protest outside the Southville offices of Imperial Tobacco yesterday.

The No Smoking Day protest was an effort to urge smokers to "break free" from the power of nicotine.

Cecilia Farren, from South West Ash and Gasp, said: "We call on the people of Britain and particularly Bristol to say 'No' to big tobacco.

"We say 'break free' from an industry that addicts and kills millions of people every year."

South West Ash said it has particular concerns about Bristol-based Imperial Tobacco Group because it is one of the largest companies in the world.

Imperial Tobacco says on its website that it recognises the health risks of smoking.

In a policy statement, the company says: "Imperial Tobacco believes that no cigarette is safe, and operates its business on the basis that smoking may cause human disease.

"The risks associated with smoking are well known, and we believe that adults should be allowed to choose whether or not to smoke.

"We recognise that it is the role of governments to provide the general public with clear and consistent messages about the health risks to smokers that are associated with their smoking. We do not challenge those messages."