GIVING up cigarettes can help you drive, according to North-East public health expert Dr Maggie Ireland.
The medic behind NHS alliance Smoke Free Derwentside is pointing out to 20-a-day smokers that they could probably afford to run a small car with the £135-a-month they would save by giving up.
Dr Ireland said: "The cost of smoking can decide whether you can or can't run a car, which can make a real difference to you and your family."
Meanwhile, an opinion poll has suggested that pubs would prosper if they introduced a smoking ban.
The results of the County Durham survey coincided with an announcement that 64,000 people, nearly one in ten smokers in the region, tried to quit during last month's No Smoking Day.
A thousand people in Consett and Stanley were asked if they would be more or less likely to visit a smoke-free pub. Ten per cent said they would be less likely, but 18 per cent said they would be more likely. For help giving up, go to www.smokefreederwentside. org
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