A new push to persuade smokers to give up is being launched in the region.

Dubbed The Big Quit Club, it aims to build on the success of legislation introduced in July that banned smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces.

It will offer smokers support in their attempt to give up smoking, along with the chance to enter competitions and win prizes.

The initiative has been given new impetus by figures published yesterday which show that more than a year after a similar ban was introduced in Scotland, there has been a 17 per cent drop in heart attacks.

The North-East has the highest proportion of smokers (28 per cent) in England, and more cancer, heart disease and chronic illness than anywhere else.

However, NHS officials believe that most of those smokers want to give up and, each year, many succeed, especially with the help of local NHS Stop Smoking Services.

The Big Quit Club campaign will involve all of the region's local NHS Stop Smoking Services and will include radio campaigns encouraging people to join the club.

Radio stations will also offer daily competitions with prizes, and celebrities and experts will talk about the importance of quitting.

By quitting, smokers reduce their risk of cancer and heart disease and increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

Local stop smoking services will also run extra drop-in sessions, where smokers can go without an appointment.

Dianne Woodall, a tobacco control worker for County Durham and Darlington NHS, said smokers who signed up and used a proven aid such as nicotine gum, patches, inhalers or lozenges were four times more likely to succeed than by willpower alone.

Ailsa Rutter, the director of Fresh, Smoke Free North-East, said: "The 17 per cent drop in heart attack admissions, as well as a 40 per cent reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke is excellent news.

"We anticipate similar improvements in public health in the North-East in the months ahead."

Residents in North Yorkshire can contact their local Stop Smoking Services by calling the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800-169-0169 or visiting www.gosmokefree.co.uk

To find out more about The Big Quit, visit www.thebigquit.co.uk