SMOKERS are being encouraged to declare V for Victory in the battle against cigarettes.

The County Durham NHS Stop Smoking Service will be out and about around the county helping people quit smoking for the annual No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 12.

Team members will be visiting a number of locations including Castledene Shopping Centre in Peterlee, where they will be offering tips on quitting from 10am to 4pm from March 10-12.

V for Victory is the theme for this year’s campaign and is supported by the County Durham Tobacco Control Alliance.

Coun Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for safer and healthier communities, said: "Each year, hundreds of thousands of smokers choose No Smoking Day to attack their addiction and take a stand against cigarettes.

"The County Durham NHS Stop Smoking Service is there to help people to do this. Using the service is far more effective than using just willpower alone"

For help and support to stop smoking, contact the County Durham NHS Stop Smoking Service on 0800-011-3405.