RECORD numbers of people in Darlington are giving up smoking, as the result of a drive to create a smoke-free culture in the town.

Darlington Primary Care Trust's (PCT) smoking cessation service has reported record figures this year, with the success rate running 36 per cent higher than the Government's target of 540 smokers quitting for at least four weeks.

The news comes as 31 of the town's childminders have received 25 gold and six silver Roy Castle Foundation Clean Air Awards, which recognise employers who put in place effective no-smoking policies.

Smoking is the single biggest cause of diseases that lead to premature death. About 17,000 children under five are admitted to hospital every year as a result of second-hand smoke inhalation

Darcy Brown, Darlington PCT stop smoking advisor, said: "It has been a great team effort, involving staff at the PCT, doctors' surgeries, health visitors, Sure Start schemes and the local hospital.

"We have seen more people in the last quarter of this year than two previous quarters added together. This shows that legislation is starting to take effect and that more people are thinking about stopping, which for their health and pockets is the best decision they could ever make." Asthma attacks, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, deafness and eyesight problems are only some of the ways exposure to smoke can affect people.

There is evidence to show that second-hand smoke is the most dangerous, as it contains more poisons.

Anyone interested in the smoke-free scheme or any public places that wish to apply are asked to call (01325) 746114.