SMOKERS working for Darlington Borough Council will be encouraged to quit the habit by taking a "Smokerlyzer" test next week.

A smoking cessation display will visit three council offices next week, to coincide with National No Smoking Day on Wednesday.

The stand has been assembled by Darlington's Primary Care Group, in liaison with the council's human resources department, as part of the Working for Health Award Scheme.

The stand will include the Smokerlyzer, which measures carbon monoxide levels in blood.

Carbon monoxide poses a big risk to smokers because it removes up to 15 per cent of the oxygen from the blood, raising blood pressure and leading to other health problems.

Lesley Blundell, the council's head of human resources, said: "This display will help gauge the level of interest in courses and activities designed to help people kick the habit."

The stand will visit the council's Hundens Lane depot on Monday, the town hall on Tuesday and Central House on Friday.