A secondary school has moved to ban students from using electronic cigarettes on its premises.

Witchford Village College said it was extending its smoking ban to include e-cigarettes and vowed to take action against any student caught using them.

There are currently few laws covering or restricting the use of e-cigarettes but the Government announced last week that it planned to ban under 18s from using the devices.

In a letter to parents, vice-principal Shona McKenzie said: “[E-cigarettes] are potentially less harmful than cigarette smoke and free of some of its damaging

substances, such as tar.

“The vapour does often, however, contain nicotine, the addictive substance that provides the ‘hit’ in cigarette smoke. It is still unclear how safe e-cigarettes are, and nobody knows what their long-term impact is on health.

“Because of our commitment to the well-being of young people, our smoke free policy extends to the use of E-cigarettes. They are not permitted to be used in college and action will be taken against anyone who is in possession or caught using one.”

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that simulate the use, appearance, and taste of regular cigarettes. When inhaled, a liquid solution is heated and vaporised.