PRACTICE nurses at Thirsk Health Centre have been commended after achieving the best results for people giving up smoking in North Yorkshire.

Anne Reed and Linda Makin, from the Dr Casey and Partners practice, have been awarded certificates by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the North Yorkshire Smoking Cessation Service for their work in helping patients to stop smoking.

The pair supported 118 patients in their attempts to stop smoking last year, with 57 of those successfully giving up.

This is the best result from any GP practice in North Yorkshire.

Presenting the certificates, the PCT's director of public health, Phil Kirby, said: "Congratulations to the practice for helping so many people to stop smoking. This is an excellent achievement for the practice nurses, and for the patients they have supported."

Linda said: "It is really pleasing to have been able to support people. They all say how they really appreciate the encouragement given to them and would not have managed to give up smoking without it. "

Anne, who is senior practice nurse, added: "We would like to say to those people who did not continue on the course that they are more than welcome to come back at any time.

"It sometimes does take more than one attempt to give up smoking and they shouldn't feel, just because they haven't managed this time, that they won't succeed in the future."

If you are a smoker and would like information about giving up smoking and how to access support, you can contact your own surgery or the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service on 01904 663310. There is also a national NHS smokers' freephone helpline on 0800 1690169.

Updated: 10:01 Tuesday, July 08, 2003