DEVON smokers are being urged to stub out their cigarettes as part of their New Year s resolution.

DEVON smokers are being urged to stub out their cigarettes as part of their New Year's resolution.

NHS Devon is offering free expert help to help people quit smoking.

Support clinics, run by NHS Devon stop smoking advisors, are being held across the county and are by appointment only.

Greg Price, health improvement specialist for NHS Devon, said: "We get good feedback from people attending our clinics. The support is free and we can organise a prescription for nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gum.

"Research shows smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking successfully if they get support from their local NHS stop smoking service, rather than relying on willpower alone.

"Everyone is feeling the pinch because of the credit crunch and figures show that a 20-a-day smoker could save around �2,000 per year if they quit."

He said the service was tailored to individual habits to maximise the likelihood of success.

He added: "So for those who tried to give up several times and perhaps feel that nothing will work, we may have the solution.

"You don't have to be ready to stop there and then and our stop smoking specialist advisors are on hand to help find the best method to help you quit."

To find out about your local stop smoking service or to make an appointment at any of the clinics, email stopsmoking.devonpct@nhs.net or call 01884 836 024. Alternatively, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129020922185