EXTRA support is being provided to smokers in the district who are seeking to stub out the habit.

The Living Well stop-smoking service is now being made available to people through some GP practices and pharmacies in the Bradford district, as well as directly from the team.

As part of the initiative, people are offered free, personal support – with ongoing professional guidance – to help them quit smoking.

Expert advisors will determine the best methods and aids to help each person ditch the cigs for good.

Support is given with managing cravings, and the use of proven methods and treatments including nicotine replacement therapy is explained.

Living Well – a partnership of organisations, including Bradford Council – has pledged its backing to Stoptober, the annual campaign held each October by Public Health England to help people give up smoking.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, the council’s executive member for healthy people and places, says: "We are really pleased that stop-smoking services are available to more people locally through their pharmacy or GP, as well as directly from our team.

"Although lots of smokers have probably tried stopping before, we’re urging them not to give up on quitting. Getting the right support is proven to make a difference and this service can really help people to quit with individual, tailored assistance.

"It’s never too late to quit and stopping smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health."

Research has shown that if smokers make it to 28 days smoke free, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

Also, a new survey by Opinium found that more than half of smokers want to quit – and three quarters said they would never have started smoking if they could go back in time.

Stop-smoking advice is available to anyone over the age of 12 in the Bradford district, through the Living Well service.

For further information about the service and to check which GP practices and pharmacies locally are participating, visit mylivingwell.co.uk/smoking/support-to-quit.

Alternatively, call 01274 437700 or email stopsmokingservice@bradford.gov.uk.

More details about giving up smoking, including information on how to download a free app, can also be found on the NHS website at nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking.

A spokesperson said: "Whether you want to start breathing easier, feel the energy boost or have a little more money to spend, there has never been a better time to stop smoking."