WHEN Marjorie Johnstone first expressed an interest in stopping smoking, she never imagined that within a few months she would be helping others to quit.

Mrs Johnstone first visited the smoking cessation group, part of the Passport to Health initiative, at the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe, in October 2002.

She completed a questionnaire, consent and registration forms and underwent a carbon monoxide test before receiving a nicotine replacement therapy voucher and setting a quit date for the end of the month.

Annie Pluse, smoke cessation worker for the Passport to Health project, said: "It was clear quite early on that Marjorie would find stopping smoking very manageable and soon her weeks of staying stopped turned into months."

Since April, Mrs Johnstone has worked as a volunteer with the project, helping with poster and leaflet distribution, with carbon monoxide tests and the completion of questionnaires. She also attends roadshows, as well as boosting morale for the group.

For more information about the free smoke cessation courses call Ms Pluse on 0191-301 3813 or 0781 684 8774.