An anti-smoking pill is set to be offered by the NHS.

The daily pill, called varenicline, is claimed to be a more effective aid than nicotine-replacement gum or patches.

The drug works by "reducing cravings for nicotine and blocking its effect on the brain," according to NHS England's press office - while "also helping with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable or having difficulty sleeping."

The press office claimed that, "when used alongside behavioural support, such as counselling," treatment with varenicline has been shown to help around one in four people to stop smoking "for at least six months."

Another drug, called cytisine, is currently under review by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

A branded version of the smoking cessation pill Champix was "previously used" but was withdrawn in 2021 as a precaution, after an impurity was discovered.

However, the relaunched generic product has now been approved as safe by the Medicines Health and Regulatory Authority.

Sixteen per cent of all hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in 2022-23 were estimated to be related to smoking, according to NHS England's press office.

The NHS spends "around £2.5 billion" annually treating health issues caused by smoking, which is described as the leading cause of preventable illness and deaths.