NEW figures have revealed that the number of North Yorkshire smokers successfully quitting with the help of the NHS has increased by a massive 56 per cent since the smoke-free legislation.
More than 1,100 people stubbed out their last cigarette in the three months following the July 1 smoking ban.
This compares to just 712 people kicking the habit during the same period of July to September, in 2006.
Head of the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service Margaret Hewitson said: "These new figures are proof that the message is really getting through.
"On average a smoker's life is fourteen years shorter than a non smoker's, if you add that up we've helped save over 16,000 years of life in the region."
* For more details see The Press today.
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