Ahead of No Smoking Day on March 13, we asked readers to tell us how they quit. Here's a selection of their stories...

Patricia Greenwood, 59, of York:

I used hypnosis and acupuncture to help me stop smoking more than ten years ago. Unfortunately I had a major car crash and ended up smoking again. Two and a half years ago I had some hypnosis and acupuncture again - and it worked once more. Patches didn't work for me, and although the treatments cost about £100, it was worth it when you consider I was smoking 40 a day. I'd recommend these methods, but make sure you used a registered practitioner.

Donald Atkinson, 65, of York:

It's 11 years since I last had a cigarette. I had angina and two nearly-blocked arteries and the surgeon had given me six months to live before I had my bypass operation. I was in hospital for a fortnight afterwards and couldn't smoke. When I got out, it would have been silly to start again. But my health scare frightened the life out of me. I smoked 30-40 a day for about 35 years.

Gordon Ross, of York:

After three failed attempts I finally succeeded. My method: I inhaled through a clean white handkerchief. It amazed me the great discoloration which occurred with just one draw, which discouraged me from ignoring the health warnings. Next, I decided to smoke a cigarette I detested (I chose menthol) so it would provide me with no enjoyment. To improve the effect, I left the packets in a warm place to dry out to make them even more revolting. Eventually, I found the pleasure went. Now I cannot bear to be where anyone is smoking.

Jude Nicholson, or York:

I finally succeeded in giving up smoking in 1991, after smoking up to 40 a day for 25 years. I tried to quit numerous times, spending a fortune on hypnosis, acupuncture, chewing gum, lozenges and the rest. Even seeing my much loved father-in-law die of lung cancer, failed to stop me. As a last resort, I tried nicotine patches. These worked instantly for me, and although I needed will power, it was easier than I ever thought possible. The benefits of not smoking are enormous. The sense of pride and achievement, have never left me, and I feel very lucky, to have discovered a "cure". A year ago, my husband also stopped, using patches. I know everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another, but I would say to anyone who wants to stop, keep trying. The more times you stop, the easier it gets.

Alan Rowntree, of York:

I quit four years ago - 3pm on Sunday, April 12 - after smoking 20 a day for 40 years. It was mainly the cost which made me stop. I was already paying tax on my pension and there's a lot of tax on cigarettes. I opened a building society account and began paying my cigarette money into that. It's paid for new central heating and double glazing. I'd never start again - and because I still put away the money each month, I couldn't afford to even if I wanted to.

Michael Norman, 53, of Carlton, near Selby:

I haven't smoked since October 1 last year, after my doctor prescribed Zyban. It's a drug that is quite controversial in America as it has some side effects, but I was willing to have a go as I'd tried everything bar hypnosis to stop smoking. The drug works by cutting out your desire for nicotine. I took it for six weeks and it was amazing. I'd smoked since I was 18 and got through 20-25 a day. I'm really anti-smoking now and can't stand the smell of it. I could never put a cigarette in my mouth again.

- For help and information on stopping smoking, visit the website: www.nosmokingday.org.uk

Updated: 10:39 Monday, March 04, 2002