A DOUBLE-DECKER bus is to tour the county to help people give up smoking.

The bus, from the county's Stop Smoking Service, has information about courses and one-to-one help from the NHS.

The service runs seven-week courses for people who want to quit alongside other smokers.

One-to-one help is also available through GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Margaret Hewitson, the head of the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service, said: "We always have a lot of interest from people who have chosen to make a New Year's resolution to make a fresh start in January by giving up smoking so, to make it easier for people to see what help and support is available, we are visiting towns and cities across North Yorkshire over the coming weeks."

She said people who joined a course next month would be better prepared for the smoking ban in public places, which comes into effect in July.

Courses start across the county on January 15. Information is available from the information bus, or by calling 0845-870025.

The bus or an information display will be at the following locations:

Wednesday, Northallerton Town Hall, 9.30am to 4pm.

Thursday, Sainsbury's, Ripon, 4pm to 7pm.

Thursday, St Sampson's Square, York, 10am to 4pm.

Friday, Morrisons, Scarborough, 10am to 4pm.

January 8, Abbey Walk, Selby, 10am to 4pm.

January 10, St Helen's Church, York, display 9.30am to 5.30pm.

January 12, Morrison's, Skipton, 10am to 4pm.

January 12, Asda, Harrogate, 3pm to 7pm