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 with only 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 14 years shorter than a non- smoker's. If you add that up we've potentially helped save over 16,000 years of life in the region."

Ms Hewitson said the ban on smoking in public places had given people the extra incentive they needed to stop smoking.

She said: "Now people are not allowed to smoke in public places like pubs and bars, it has tipped the balance.

"They have been thinking about giving up and now they have been given the extra incentive to actually do it."

Statistics show that smokers are four times more likely to successfully kick the habit if they access specialist help.

Ms Hewitson said: "Some people are able to give up on their own, but the ones who are totally dependent on cigarettes need extra support.

"As a specialist service, we provide one-to-one support programmes and we also have drop-in sessions at Asda supermarket, in Monks Cross.

"Here, people can get information and advice to help them change their behaviour and we are also able to test the level of carbon monoxide in their lungs.

"This can act as a real boost, because you can see a real drop in your carbon monoxide levels within just 24 hours of stopping."

For more information about North Yorkshire's Stop Smoking Service, which is run by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust, phone the helpline on 0845 877 0025.

Drop-in sessions take place at Asda, in Monks Cross, York, every Thursday between 10am and noon and from 5pm to 7pm.