SMOKERS in Darlington are being offered the chance to get help to kick the habit this year.

With "stop smoking" resolutions firmly in their minds, people can get the support and prescriptions they need to double their chances of success at clinics being run by Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The programme will start on Monday, with sessions being held between 6pm and 7.30pm in the walk-in centre, Doctor Piper House, in King Street in the town.

Darcy Brown, PCT stop smoking advisor, said: "This time of year always focuses people's attention on lifestyle issues and many people try to give up smoking as their New Year's resolution.

"We can offer the support and nicotine substitutes they need to double the chances of success. All we ask is that they commit to at least seven weekly sessions and really want it to work.

"The health and financial benefits start the minute you give up cigarettes, which contain thousands of chemicals, including many that cause cancer and heart disease.

"It's the single best thing any smoker can do to improve their health and reduce the chances of developing disease, while saving money into the bargain."

Anyone interested in the stop smoking clinic can contact Christine Brown on (01325) 746114 to book a place.