THOUSANDS of smokers in Swindon are being encouraged to stubb out the habit for good on National No Smoking Day today.

Nearly one in six adults smoke nationally, including 16 per cent in Swindon, but UK figures show two thirds want to quit.

Recent research carried out by Connected Care in three areas in the town has shown that nearly half of respondents in Penhill – 46 per cent – are smokers.

The research discovered that there are no smoking cessation groups in Penhill so a new support group was established three months ago to support those wanting to quit.

It has proved a huge success and there are now plans to set up a second group.

Cherry Jones, deputy director of public health, said: “The group was established because it was identified that there was a gap in Penhill in services like this. We don’t have many actual groups running in Swindon for people to quit smoking because most people would prefer to attend a one-to-one rather than a group, but in Penhill, the feedback came back that they would like a group so we thought we’d give it a go. It has gone from strength to strength which is great in improving the health of the people in that area.”

During No Smoking Day, the Swindon Stop Smoking Service will be out and about across the town helping smokers ditch cigarettes for good. There is a special event for taxi drivers in a bid to prevent them developing long-term health problems during which NHS Swindon and Swindon Council will offer free health MoTs.

Taxi drivers are invited to the County Ground from 10am to 3pm for a free check.

Cherry said: “The benefits of not smoking begin within hours and boost not just your health but your wallet too. Thousands of smokers attempt to quit on No Smoking Day, so if you’re a smoker, why not take the leap and join in?”

Swindon Healthy Schools and NHS Swindon have also run a competition open to schools to design a poster giving a Smokefree No Smoking Day message. “The standard of entry was high with pupils showing a good level of understanding the importance of encouraging people to stop smoking and the benefits of leading a smoke-free life,” said Cherry.

The joint winners were 10-year-old Logan and Darian and Osama, 11, all from Brook Field Primary School. A display of the winning posters will be shown across the town’s libraries. The smoking group in Penhill runs on Thursdays from 9.30am to 10.30am at the John Moulton Hall.

QUITTING TIPS: Find a buddy who’s also going to stop smoking.

Throw away ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.

Patches and nicotine gum are a great way to stop the cravings.

Enrol in a free NHS stop smoking course.

Avoid anyone who isn’t supporting your quit attempt.

Get out for a walk every time you feel tempted to smoke Join a gym.

Fill the fridge with healthy, low calorie snacks so if you’re tempted to eat rather than smoke you won’t pile on the pounds.

Save the money you used to spend on cigarettes in a jar and treat yourself after a month: if you smoked 20 a day, you’ll have saved £182.