Thousands of people in Bradford and Airedale have successfully quit their smoking habit with help from the local NHS stop smoking service.

Over the past year (2009 to 2010) nearly 4,000 people achieved the four-week quit target after seeking help from the wide range of stop smoking support offered by the NHS across the district.

The NHS stop smoking service, part of Bradford and Airedale Community Health Services, provides many different ways for smokers to kick their habit.

From day time and after work drop-in sessions to GP practice-based support and stop smoking advisors at pharmacies and dental surgeries, there is plenty of local help and advice for people wanting to quit.

Lorraine Bradbury, from the stop smoking service, said: “This has been a very successful year for us and the team has worked hard to help local smokers go smoke-free.

"Most smokers would like to stop and getting help and support from a stop smoking advisor will more than double their chance of being successful.

“Stopping smoking is the best thing anyone can do to improve their health – no matter how long they have smoked for – so I would urge people to take the first step to a smoke-free life by giving us a call to find out how we can help.”

One of the most successful venues is St George’s Hall drop-in every Monday from 9am to 12.30pm. No appointment is needed as people can just call in to speak to a member of the team.

Other drop-ins are held at Asda, Keighley, on Mondays from 2pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 6.30pm, and on Thursdays from 5pm to 6.30pm.

There are also 54 GP practices, 33 pharmacies and 15 dental practices with trained stop smoking advisors. Some pharmacies also offer evening and weekend appointments. The advisors can help people choose the right kind of stop smoking medication, which in most cases is free, and help them deal with cravings.

To make an appointment with a stop smoking advisor, or to find out how they can help, people can call: (01274) 202793 or text the word ‘quita’ to 88020 and someone will call back.