TIGHTER controls on lighting up in public are making dining out a drag for smokers.

But a new restaurant in Huddersfield is actively encouraging smoking - by offering customers the chance to experience Persian Ghalyan pipes.

At Arya Persian restaurant and tea room, in Brook Street, customers are encouraged to lie back on the smoking beds and enjoy a flavoured tobacco after their meal.

Manager Hose Martin, originally from Iran, said the idea was to make the dining experience as authentic as possible.

"We wanted to show people a bit of Persian culture and the smoking is very much a part of that," he said.

"After a meal people will relax and enjoy a smoke. So far it has proved popular here in Huddersfield as well.

"People can choose different flavours including apple, mint and orange - they are very refreshing.

"The smoke is passed through water in the pipe so although it is not good for you it is not as bad as smoking a normal cigarette.

"The smoke itself is much purer and not as harsh."

Arya opened last week and is already causing a stir.

Mr Martin said people were enjoying trying something different instead of the old favourites like curry.

"Persian food is a lot different from things most people have tried before," he said.

"All the people we have had so far have been pleasantly surprised - and most of them have loved trying out the pipes even if they are not smokers."

If the average smoker quit they would save £1,185 a year.

More than a quarter (27% or 12.65m) of the UK's adult population smokes.

More than half of smokers have vowed to quit, if they did they would save an average of £22.79 a week.

More than £15bn is spent on smoking every year in the UK alone.