NEARLY one in five Keighley adults are smokers, new figures reveal.

The data, compiled by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), has been released ahead of No Smoking Day.

A survey carried out for the charity found about 19 per cent of adult respondents in the town were smokers – above the national average.

Now BHF bosses are urging residents wanting to stub out the habit to seek support from stop-smoking services.

Spokesman, Dr Mike Knapton, said: “Smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers.

“The good news is stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health, and the risk to your overall health decreases significantly soon after you stop.

“We’re encouraging smokers to visit their GP, pharmacist or stop-smoking advisor to receive resources, information and advice on quitting.

"Getting prepared for your quit attempt is the first step on the journey towards a smoke-free life.”

He added smoking is also a huge financial burden — with a 20-a-day habit costing the average person £255 a month — and that it could impact on the health of loved ones.

“Passive smoke is a cause of short and long-term illness in others, and is particularly harmful to children — especially in enclosed spaces,” said Dr Knapton.

“It can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems, such as asthma and meningitis.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the smoke that causes damage is invisible, and opening a window does not protect others from the harmful effects of passive smoke.

“We believe the single most effective way of reducing a loved one’s exposure to passive smoke is for people to quit.”

He is encouraging people to use No Smoking Day on Wednesday as a catalyst to give up the habit.

Bradford Council’s stop-smoking service, which can be contacted on 01274 437700, offers free advice and support.

And awareness-raising activities are planned at Airedale Hospital.

Joanne Nykol, tobacco lead for the council’s public health department, said: “There is no safe level for smoking.

“We welcome No Smoking Day as it aims to reduce the number of people smoking in the district and this helps our work towards creating a smoke-free generation in the future.”

For more information see quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk/onedayquit or visit nosmokingday.org.uk for more details.