SMOKERS in York and Selby are becoming increasingly eager to quit the weed with the help of specialist clinics, according to the latest figures.

The number of people who have managed to quit smoking with support in the Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) area has risen dramatically.

The latest PCT figures, from April 1, 2002, to March 31, 2003, show 735 people have quit for over more than weeks - almost double the Government target of 368.

The total number of smokers across the PCT area seen by the service in that period was 1,684.

Carole Donnachie, Specialist Smoking Cessation Advisor for the PCT, said: "Stopping smoking is one of the single most difficult things a person can do, and all the smokers who have been through the programme are to be congratulated on their efforts.

"Smokers are now starting to realise the positive health benefits of stopping smoking, and the number of people coming to us for help and advice is increasing all the time."

Chief executive of Selby and York PCT, Dr Sue Ross, said: "These figures are excellent news and show the strength of work being undertaken to reduce the number of smokers in the Selby and York area."

Smokers can get help and advice through specialist clinics, registered smoking cessation advisors and GP surgeries and health centres, hospitals and through outlets such as York NHS Walk-in Centre.

Updated: 10:19 Monday, June 09, 2003