EXTRA help is available to South Craven smokers seeking to stub-out the habit.

A new support service is being offered to people across North Yorkshire.

Living Well Smokefree, funded by the county council, comprises a team of advisors.

It can provide personalised, one-to-one support over six to 12 weeks and supply either nicotine replacement therapy or tablets to help relieve the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with giving-up smoking.

County Councillor Caroline Dickinson, executive member for public health and prevention, says many people begin thinking about giving-up smoking at this time of year – with the Stoptober campaign approaching.

She added: “Smoking is still the biggest preventable cause of ill health and early death in North Yorkshire, killing over 1,000 people in the county every year, so we’re using part of our public health grant to fund Living Well Smokefree – and I am delighted we are.

“We know that people who use the combination of support that our Living Well Smokefree service provides will be three times more likely to give-up the habit and stay smoke-free, rather than if they were to try to stop smoking on their own.”

Living Well Smokefree caters for people aged from 12 upwards.

It uses community-based venues across North Yorkshire, and home visits can be arranged for people who have difficulty getting out and about.

Anyone who wants to use an e-cigarette to help them give-up can still access the face-to-face support and clinics provided by the service.

To contact Living Well Smokefree, call 01609 797272 or e-mail stop.smoking@northyorks.gov.uk.