THE plumes of vapour grow larger and thicker as Matt Gluggles demonstrates his array of e-cigarettes.

Mr Gluggles, owner of the E-cig Wizard shop in Goodramgate, York, is showing off the devices he has spent an estimated £2,000 on since deciding to quit smoking four years ago.

His varied collection ranges from the first generation "cigalikes", which emulate the look of a cigarette, up to a third generation gold and titanium device costing the owner around £200.

This is the 45-year-old's hobby and one he has grown to become an expert on.

His passion has led him to found York's Vapemeet group as more and more people switch from smoking cigarettes and take up vaping to help them kick the habit.

However, next May, a European Union law is set to come into force which has upset those who say the electronic devices have done a lot to stop people smoking.

"None of the third generation ones or the smaller e-cigarettes will be available when the ban comes in and it's going to be a catastrophe," said Mr Gluggles.

"Two million people have switched to e-cigarettes and they will be replaced with very feeble e-cigs and the numbers switching will be far less.

"The NHS is coming round to them because a couple of years ago they said you had to use a patch or their services which only had a five per cent success rate whereas e-cigs have a 33 per cent success rate.

"Those opposed to them will say 'we don't know what's in them' or 'they are dangerous' and these statements get reported, but those in favour have to produce a lot of specific evidence they are safe."

E-cigarettes first became available in 2007 but their dramatic rise in popularity did not take off until 2011, when the number of users grew at a rapid rate.

More than two million people now use the devices in the UK and has seen stop smoking campaigns, like Stoptober, offering people free e-cigarette kits.

Mr Gluggles added: "The changes are a huge concern.

"When the regulations are introduced they will completely crush the market and the number of people switching will be massively reduced.

"That means there will be more smokers than there would have been and the regulations will support smoking."