Thousands of smokers across Bradford are being urged to quit as part of a nationwide attempt to stub out the final cigarette.

Today sees the launch of Stoptober – backed by Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation it is the first 28-day quit attempt aimed at encouraging the nation’s eight million smokers to make the step towards a smoke-free future.

It will begin on October 1, but from Monday, TV and radio ads, along with a Stoptober app – available free via a smartphone – as well as the Smokefree Facebook page with additional tips and advice, will go live in an attempt to help motivate people.

According to the NHS Information Centre, between April 2011 and the end of March this year 8,775 across Bradford and Airedale set a stop date. Of those, 3,383 succeeded, with 1,514 not managing and the outcome of 3,878 cases unknown.

Of the people trying to quit were 438 pregnant women, of which 123 succeeded.

Launching the Government initiative chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “Smoking is still the biggest cause of premature death in England, taking more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.

“This is the first time that we have launched a mass quit attempt like Stoptober. I would encourage people who want to quit to get involved.

“To join in, look for Stoptober online, or ask your local pharmacist and get your free support pack and lots of other helpful hints and tips.”

Research shows those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free. Stoptober will lend a hand to help smokers achieve this goal.

Smokers classed as successfully quitting in the NHS data were given a carbon monoxide test four weeks after their chosen stop date to prove they had not smoked.

A roadshow will also be making its way around the country urging people to kick the habit.

Jean King, Cancer Research UK’s director of tobacco control, said: “Breaking the addiction is difficult, so new and innovative campaigns such as this are hugely important.

“After the success of the Olympics and Paralympics, where we’ve seen such fantastic feats of physical achievement, it would be great to think this might help also motivate smokers to quit and take advantage of Stoptober.."

For more information, or to join the challenge, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/ Stoptober.