SMOKERS in Worcestershire are being urged to prepare for battle and attempt to give up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day which takes place on Wednesday, March 12.

One in five UK adults smoke but studies show around two thirds of smokers want to quit.

This year’s No Smoking Day has a ‘V for Victory’ theme which is set to inspire hundreds of thousands of smokers to win the fight against cigarettes.

The campaign will help smokers on the road to victory, providing information, support and encouragement to put together a personal battle plan so that they are in the best possible position to make a successful quit attempt on the day.

Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire's Local Pharmaceutical Committee will be hosting Healthy Living Roadshows around the county next week to inspire quitters and send them on the road to victory.

The roadshow will be in Redditch market on Tuesday, March 11 from 9.30am until 4pm, and at Bromsgrove market on Friday, March 14

Councillor Marcus Hart, Chair of Worcestershire Tobacco Control Alliance, said: “No Smoking Day is a great opportunity for smokers in Worcestershire to quit, knowing they will be doing so alongside hundreds of thousands of other people across the UK.

“Quitting isn’t easy but support is available so that smokers can win the battle against cigarettes. 

“You are four times more likely to quit if you use NHS Stop Smoking Services than if you try and go it alone.

"So Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire's Local Pharmaceutical Committee are spreading the word to smokers about the range of support which we have made available locally. This support will get smokers on the road to victory and towards a healthier and wealthier smoke-free life.”

To find a local NHS stop smoking service go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk and search stop smoking, or call the Healthy Lifestyles Hub on 01905 363 909.