SMOKERS are being warned of the damaging effects cigarettes can have on bones with the launch of a campaign to highlight osteoporosis.

Many of the 4,500 chemicals found in every cigarette are being blamed for eating away healthy tissue and weakening bones.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's stop smoking specialist, Darcy Brown, said: "Smoking also kills off the cells which repair, replace and feed the bone and it destroys the vitamins C and D which are necessary for healthy bones."

He is also warning that smoking can lead to tooth loss, gum disease and weakening of the bone in the jaw.

Mr Brown's stark message comes as the Darlington trust launches its Better Bones Bonanza, aimed at tackling osteoporosis, also known as brittle bones disease.

On average, by the time a smoker reaches old age, they would have suffered twice as many fractures than non-smokers.

Mr Brown also said that medication to relieve the pain of osteoporosis was not as effective for smokers.

"Even the strongest medication passes through the system of a smoker quicker than a non-smoker and you can only take so many tablets a day," he said.

Anyone wanting to give up smoking can contact their GP surgery, the National No Smoking Helpline, on 0800 1690169 or the NHS Stop Smoking Service, on (01325) 746131 or (01325) 746132.