A MASSIVE number of smokers in Bromsgrove are quitting their bad habit thanks to a new scheme.

Around 61 per cent of those setting a quit date with Redditch and Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust have remained successful after four weeks.

The regional and national averages are around 51 per cent.

The success rate was revealed in the trust's first Smoking Cessation Annual Report, which also shows it has exceeded the target, set by the Department of Health, for the number of quitters this year.

Smokers in Bromsgrove, and neighbouring Redditch, have been helped in their task by the trust's NHS Smoking Advice Service with its highly successful quit smoking groups and one-to-one support from trained advisers.

Smoking cessation manager Julia North said: "Quitters tell us that having the group or one-to-one support regularly, once a week, really helps.

"They know they will be going back to their adviser to explain how well they are getting on and they look forward to this - it really makes a difference." She also says quitters find using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as patches, gum and lozenges help - they double the chance of quitting and are available on prescription as well as over the counter.

There is also a new pill, known as buproprion (Zyban), which can help people to quit but it is only available through a doctor.

If you are a smoker and would like information, advice and support on quitting, ring the Worcestershire smoking advice service on 01905 760222 - all services are free.