SOUTH Craven people are being urged to 'shop' anyone they suspect of involvement in the supply of illicit tobacco.

The plea has been issued by North Yorkshire County Council ahead of No Smoking Day, next Wednesday, March 14.

Authority chiefs are also promoting the support on offer to help smokers wishing to stub out the habit.

The county council says illicit tobacco, which can include cigarettes and other smokers' products, is counterfeit or smuggled into the country without tax being paid on it.

Because it's normally cheaper at the point of sale, it can make it harder for smokers to quit and gives young people easier access.

County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, executive member for public health, prevention and supported housing, said: "Our Trading Standards team is urging anyone who has information about the supply of illicit tobacco to help tackle this problem by reporting it anonymously through the e-form at keep-it-out.co.uk or by phoning 0300 999 0000.

"The county council also funds a free stop-smoking service called Smokefreelife North Yorkshire to support anyone who wants to give up."

Help available includes clinics, drop-ins and nicotine replacement therapy.

For more details, visit smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk, call 0800 2465215 or 01609 663023, or text QUIT to 66777.