INDIAN head massage and aromatherapy are just some of the enticements being offered to smokers today to help them kick the habit.

The University of Teesside, in Middlesbrough, is marking National No Smoking Day with an advice and support session for students and staff trying to give up the killer weed.

The event, in the Clarendon Link Building student centre, takes place between noon and 2pm. It will offer smokers a head massage with aromatherapist Caroline Innes, as well as specialist advice on alternative ways to give up smoking.

Aline Marron, student health advisor, said: "About 120,000 UK smokers die each year from a smoking related disease. That's about 330 people each day."

l Smokers in Hartlepool are being helped to kick the tobacco habit today. Health experts will be in the town's Middleton Grange Shopping centre and the Phoenix Centre, on the Central Estate