ANYONE who has ever tried to quit smoking will know how difficult it is. But, to paraphrase an old saying, a difficulty shared is a difficulty halved.

One of the great things about Stoptober – which begins on October 1 – is that those trying to quit know they are not alone.

It is amazing the difference that can make. Last October, more than 750 people in York stopped smoking. So if you’re thinking of quitting, why not do it this October, when thousands of others across Yorkshire will be doing just the same?