KENT-BASED brewer Shepherd Neame says its well advanced with plans for the redevelopment of its pubs ahead of the July 1 smoking ban in England.

The company will have invested more than £3million in external facilities for its 380-strong pub estate by September to accommodate smokers.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: "Over the past 12 months we have embarked on a significant investment programme in outdoor spaces to offer our customers pleasant, comfortable external facilities.

"Our covered heated areas, called 'smoke-easys', are intended for smokers and non-smokers alike. We're fully prepared for the ban."