A NEW nicotine replacement lozenge can triple the chances of smokers who are trying to quit, according to Worcestershire Health Authority.

Julia North, Smoking Cessation Manager at WHA, has welcomed the findings backed by the Cancer Research Campaign that the new minty lozenge is a "significant weapon" in the fight to quit.

The findings claim highly dependant smokers will have a better chance of quitting by using the Nicotine Replacement Therapy Lozenge than with any other NRT treatment.

WHA will also start stop smoking groups later this month.

The course lasts six weeks and will meet for one hour a week at Boots in the City Centre from Tuesday, November 13, at 1pm and at Tesco in Warndon, on Wednesday, November 14, at 6pm.

"It is important that people realise it is never too late to give up smoking," said Mrs North.

"Smokers who stop before the age of 35 years have an expectation of life not significantly different from non-smokers.

"Even people who stop in middle age before the onset of cancer or some other serious disease, can avoid most of the later excess risk from tobacco."

More information on the quit smoking sessions is available by calling 01905 760222.