A PIONEERING Huddersfield firm that has helped 999 services for many years is set to help pubs survive the looming smoking ban.

The Aire Group has devised an outdoor smoke shelter.

But it will be much more than that. It will double as a marquee when pubs host events such as charity fundraising days.

The company has forged a worldwide reputation for its Aireshelta inflatable buildings, which have become a familiar sight on TV news bulletins.

They have been used at major incidents ranging from murder scenes to the Selby train disaster.

The firm has even made an Aireshelta big enough to use as a hangar for a jet fighter.

But Aire Group has come up with something totally new for breweries and pubs, ready for when the smoking ban comes into force on July 1.

The Pubshelta can be folded away or simply concertina and pushed flat against the pub wall when not being used.

Aire Group managing director Richard Bailey said it has a super- strong, non-corrosive aluminium frame.

He added: "It is covered by the same ultra- tough PVC-coated material as the original Airesheltas, which have proved themselves worldwide time and time again in the foulest weather imaginable."

A Pubshelta has been used at the Walkers Arms in Leymoor, Golcar.

Landlord Mick McMahon said: "There will still be a need to give smokers a choice and this is certainly one way.

"There will always be a need for some sort of outdoor shelter."

He said the Pubshelta was cost-effective and flexible, doubling as an instant cover for beer gardens or an outdoor venue for events at pubs.

Aire Group sales manager Ralph Hattersley said: "The Pubshelta is flexible and can be weighted to the ground or firmly bolted down."

It takes a couple of minutes to put up.

It can be made in any colour and size up to six metres by six metres.

To put that in context, one half that size will have enough room for tables and chairs for 20 people.