Britain has an army of "snokers" - secret smokers who cover up a sneaky cigarette habit from family and friends, according to a survey out yesterday.

Britain has an army of "snokers" - secret smokers who cover up a sneaky cigarette habit from family and friends, according to a survey out yesterday.

As millions get ready to try to kick the habit again this New Year, the poll revealed millions of adults still don't smoke in front of their parents - despite being in their 20s and 30s.

The survey was carried out on 1000 people who had bought the NJOY "electronic" cigarette, an aid to kicking the habit. Of those buying the device, 77% admitted they still hid the fact from their parents despite, on average, being over 27 years old.

And 13% who described themselves as "occasional smokers" said they still tried to keep their smoking a secret from their partners.

Most male "snokers" said that they would make up excuses to visit their garage or shed, while a majority of female "snokers" said they would find spurious reasons to leave the house altogether.