CAMQUIT, a free service to help smokers who are thinking about, or who have already chosen to quit, is being launched by Cambridgeshire PCT. Claire Mead, healthy lifestyle co-ordinator, said: Evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to succ

CAMQUIT, a free service to help smokers who are thinking about, or who have already chosen to quit, is being launched by Cambridgeshire PCT.

Claire Mead, healthy lifestyle co-ordinator, said: "Evidence shows that smokers are four times more likely to successfully quit by using support services and nicotine replacement.

"During the last three years 7,300 people in Cambridgeshire have chosen to give up smoking with the help of local NHS Stop Smoking Services, which have now combined efforts to form CAMQUIT.

"The New Year is an excellent opportunity for people to quit smoking. Quitting smoking has many benefits, such as better health, increased vitality and you look younger. Also, at nearly £5 for 20 cigarettes, quitting a pack a day is like giving yourself a pay rise - you could save £30 a week, welcome news after Christmas.

"If you want to prepare to quit in the New Year get in touch with your local CAMQUIT Team."

Cigarette smoking is estimated to kill more than 2,300 people in Cambridgeshire each year. From July 1 smoke free legislation comes into force aimed at protecting people from the harmful effects of second hand smoke. The legislation will mean smoking is not allowed in enclosed public places and workplaces.

The PCT says CAMQUIT will support people in the lead-up to the new law so they can cope with the changes.

Contact the CAMQUIT team for East Cambs and Fenland on 0800 018 4304 or visit www.camquit.nhs.uk