TEENAGE girl smokers are queuing up to get nicotine patches from their school nurse.

The 13 and 14-year-olds, some with 20-a-day habits, are breaking their addiction with nicotine replacement therapy.

The groundbreaking scheme, thought to be the first of its kind in the North-East, is running at Greencroft School, Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

Four pupils started the programme in June and all have used the patches to successfully kick the habit.

The pilot project is run by health promotions worker Jamie Battye, who works for Sure Start Stanley, and school nurse Moya White.

Mrs White said: "The kids deserve a lot of credit. They had support but it is down to them at the end of the day.

"They have shown real determination and maturity."

Some of the girls who have gone through the programme admitted they funded their habit by buying packs with their dinner money - then selling cigarettes on to friends at 30p each.

The quartet were all heavy smokers and were chosen for the project after using a breathalyser that measures carbon monoxide in the lungs.

They were then breath-tested each day and only given a nicotine patch if they had not smoked. As well as nicotine replacement treatment, they were given a helpline number to phone if they were tempted to light up.

Those taking part had to get parental consent, and health workers talked to their GPs to ensure it was safe for them to have the patches.

Miss Battye, 27, of Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, said: "It was a real struggle to get the programme going.

"Some kids dropped out because they didn't want their parents to know they smoked, but it was vital to have GP consent and parent consent.

"It has been hard work, but it was all worth it."

Dozens of other children at Greencroft are already on the waiting list to start the programme when they go back to school next month, but only a handful can be taken on at a time.

Miss Battye will also be starting a scheme at the nearby Stanley School of Technology.