Smokers urged to give up this month

Research by Public Health England suggested that smokers were 67 per cent more likely to quit if their partner also stopped and 36 per more likely to quit if a friend stopped.

Coun Viv Kendrick (Lab, Heckmondwike), Kirklees Cabinet member for prevention and early intervention, said: “Last year, there was really strong support for Stoptober and we are keen to build on this.

“Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette they are five times more likely to stay permanently smoke-free.

“Quitting smoking can be difficult but successfully quitting means overall people feel better, smell better and have more money in their pocket.”

This year’s campaign for people to give up smoking for October will include a little help from a number of famous comedians.

Messages of support will be sent to participants phones and email addresses from Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi.

In Kirklees 18 per cent of people smoke.

Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing for Public Health England said: “Along with receiving proven advice and support, participants this year will get encouragement every day from some of the best comedians in the country to help them through 28 days smoke-free.

“The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate – quitters will soon see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation. It is one of the best things a person can do to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing long-term conditions and dying prematurely.”

Visit smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober for more information.