NEW figures show that the number of people giving up smoking in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire rose by 10 per cent last year.

The number of people who have kicked the habit rose from 7,967 for the period of April 2003 to December 2004 and increased by 8,776 between April 2004 to December 2005.

"These figures are very encouraging and I am delighted that so many people across our region are using NHS stop smoking services," said Ruth Hall, director of public health at the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority.

"From these figures it is clear that local people are becoming more aware of the damaging effects that smoking has on their health and are seeking guidance on how to kick the habit.

"The free service enables motivated members of the public to give up their addiction by utilising the friendly expert advice of trained stop smoking advisers.

"We have nine stop smoking services across Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and appointments can be made either on a one-to-one basis or in group sessions.

"The good work done by the stop smoking teams across the patch will continue and we hope that even more people will kick the habit this year."

If you would like help in giving up smoking call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169.