THOUSANDS of Teesside smokers have asked for help to quit since the health action zone's Start Stopping Campaign was launched in February.

More than 4,400 smokers have asked for advice and 2,400 people set dates to give up, with half of those staying off cigarettes for more than four weeks.

Link advisors based in GP surgeries, health centres and hospitals around Teesside are still on-hand to give advice to people who want to quit and a helpline is still available.

Specialist smoking clinics are also planned for the coming weeks in Billingham, Stockton, Coulby Newham and Hartlepool.

Anyone wanting help can ring the helpline on (01642) 223023 for advice and information about places on the support clinics and other help available.