SMOKERS trying to kick the habit are being invited to get advice and support from a city pharmacy.

Staff at Henwick Halt pharmacy in Henwick Road are offering free information on nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), helping those wanting to quit to formulate a plan and monitoring progress. The free support is available right up until national No Smoking Day in March.

Dr Hooman Ghalamkari, who owns the pharmacy, said new guidelines around NRT meant that some people who previously may not have thought they were able to use patches could now do so.

"It was thought that once a smoker started on NRT they should no longer smoke, but now there is new advice saying it is all right to cut down and then stop.

"Also, it never used to be recommended for people with other conditions such as high-blood pressure or those on hormone replacement therapy but, again, there is evidence to suggest that this is now ok.

"If smokers come in we will now be able to give them all the latest advice, as well as supporting them through the cycle of change."

People can drop in to the pharmacy during normal opening hours for more information.