When hypnotherapist Catherine Nelson treats her clients, there are no swinging watches or requests to come under her spell.

She simply speaks quietly, encourages concentration and relaxation and her clients are entraced.

Ms Nelson's learned her skill at the West Yorkshire School of Hypnotherapy in Wakefield.

She claims that she can stop a person smoking after an hour's treatment - particularly appropriate today on national No Smoking Day.

"I speak to the client, get them to concentrate by slowing my voice down and making them anticipate what I have to say until I eventually see their eyes flicker," she said.

"I try to encourage an image of going down in a lift to get them into a deep hypnotic state."

Ms Nelson practices her holistic skills at the Hanover International Hotel in Skipton. That was where 30-year-old fitness instructor Emma Sharpe of Steeton, pictured with Ms Nelson, came looking for help to kick her habit.

"I had been smoking for 15 years but smoking didn't bode well as a fitness instructor," said Miss Sharpe.

"I'd tried patches a few years before and it didn't work. I came to Catherine and underwent the hypnotherapy.

"It was nothing like you'd expect. She spoke to me, and I became relaxed and felt quite heavy.

"I must admit when we'd finished I thought I could do with a cigarette but as soon as I went for one, I felt I didn't need it.

"I didn't think I could stop but I have. But I was wanting to stop, it wasn't just a whim."

Miss Sharpe carries a red card around with the date when she stopped - February 12, 2003 - which she can use as a reminder to refocus her determination if ever she is tempted to light up.

"But I haven't had to use it yet," she said.

Di Woodall, of Bradford district's Stop Smoking service, said there were a number of ways to beat the smoking habit, but it was important that people sought help and support.

She said the service provides advice about methods such as nicotine patches and gum, which had good results.

Hypnotherpy and acupuncture were also among the alternatives and all could work, so long as the smoker was ready to quit, she said.

For more information about the work of the Stop Smoking Service ring 01274 363559.