MORE smokers are quitting the habit in Worcestershire - with hundreds of people reducing the risk of dying prematurely and saving the health service thousands of pounds.

Every year the number of people who stop smoking in Worcestershire is on the increase, and so far 743 smokers have quit this year with the help the county's numerous support groups and services.

There has already been a 41 per cent increase in the number of people who have stopped smoking up until now this year in Worcestershire, compared with the whole of 2002 - which saw 573 people successfully knock the habit on the head.

This compares to just an average 10 per cent rise in the number of people stopping smoking nationally.

Julia North, Worcestershire Smoking Cessation's manager, said she was delighted with the achievement so far, but aims to get even more people to stop the potentially deadly habit.

"We are aiming to support 2,500 quitters by the end of March 2004, and we are optimistic we will achieve this," she said.

"Most quitters quit at New Year and on No smoking Day which is on March 10.

"We are really pleased with the increase in the number of smokers quitting, this is the single most important thing you can do for your current and future health.

"It saves the NHS millions of pounds in treating smokers with smoking-related illnesses like cancer and heart disease, and is real progress towards achieving a smoke-free Worcestershire."

She said the county's success was down to the increased number of GP's surgeries offering quit-smoking support with a practice nurse and the new quit smoking clinics which now run in every town in Worcestershire.

"We have learnt from our quitters that they prefer one-to-one support to the quit smoking groups we run," she added.

"They really appreciate the friendly, non-judgemental help that the quit smoking adviser offers, and the adviser can also write a prescription for nicotine replacement therapy at the same time.

"It's the combination of support and therapy that really works - evidence has shown that this doubles your chance of quitting successfully."

For more information about how to stop smoking or to book an appointment at a county clinic call 01905 760222.