Smoking in a car where children are present will be made illegal in Wales after the country's assembly passed landmark legislation.

The new law will come into effect in less than four months' time and could see those breaking it hit with a £50 fine or even a court appearance.

AMs ratified the Welsh Government policy by a majority of 46 to 1 at a key vote in the Senedd.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said there was compelling evidence against the dangers of second hand smoke and the new law would help protect children's health.

The new regulations will make it an offence to smoke in an enclosed private vehicle when more than one person is present, at least one of whom is under the age of 18, and for a driver to fail to prevent smoking in such circumstances.

The British Lung Foundation also described the move as "a tremendous victory" for the "thousands of children being exposed to second-hand smoke every week".

Pro-smoking group Forest branded the new law as "heavy handed".

The ban will come into effect on October 1, the same day as England's ban.

In Scotland a prohibition bill is currently passing through Holyrood. It is hoped it will receive Royal Assent before the Scottish elections in May.