SUPPORT is available to South Craven smokers wanting to stub out the habit.

North Yorkshire County Council issued the message as it backed new legislation banning smoking in vehicles when under-18s are present.

"We are committed to protecting the health of children and I welcome this legislation," said County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for public health and prevention.

"It will provide additional protection for young people against passive smoking in a tightly enclosed space and help to avoid the smoking habit of parents being passed on to their children."

Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire's director of public health, says a team of dedicated advisors offers a range of sessions across the county to help smokers wanting to stop.

"Reducing the number of smokers and protecting people from the dangers of passive smoking are key priorities for us," he added.

The Smokefree (Private Vehicles) Regulations, passed in Parliament earlier this month, will come into force in October.

Anyone caught flouting the law will face a £50 fixed penalty notice.

Call 0300 303 1603 for further details about the stop-smoking help available.