As the New Year is now here, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging smokers to make a resolution worth keeping – quit smoking.

There are around 5.4 million adults in England who still smoke, and it remains the leading preventable cause of premature death.

Stopping smoking is one of the best things smokers can do for their health, and it's never too late to quit.

There are financial benefits to quitting smoking too. On average a smoker can save around £38 a week by quitting smoking - that’s around £2,000 a year.

Liz McDonald, a stop smoking advisor at NCIC, said: “New Year is a time when many people decide to quit smoking. Quitting smoking will not only improve your health but also help with money in your pocket.

"Planning ahead and making use of the free support services that are available can help you quit smoking for good.

“There’s a range of support available including stop smoking aids, digital tools and expert help from local stop smoking services to help your quit-smoking journey.

"There are also several ways that you can get ready to quit such as being prepared for triggers, making changes to your routine to resist cravings and getting support from your friends and family to keep going. These tools and support can help boost your chances of quitting for good."

John Atkinson, a respiratory consultant at NCIC, added: “Smoking is still the leading preventable cause of premature death. Every cigarette smoked damages the lungs and airways, making it harder to breathe. I urge every smoker to make a New Year’s resolution to quit this January.

"It’s never too late to quit – stopping smoking brings immediate benefits to health, including for people with an existing smoking-related disease.

"If you want to quit smoking this January, there are lots of free resources and support from the NHS which can help you quit for good - you won’t be alone in your New Year’s resolution.”