THE battle against lung cancer is being won across the region - with far less people falling victim to the disease than elsewhere in the country.

There are 16 deaths from lung cancer per 100,000 in Ryedale, 25 in Selby and only 20 in York - all of which are lower than the national average of 28.

The Evening Press - in partnership with Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) - launched the YES (York, Selby, Easingwold) to Clean Air Campaign earlier this year to encourage local businesses and organisations to become smoke-free.

Rachel Johns, Selby and York PCT's director of public health, said: "The campaign is playing an important role in raising awareness of the issues around smoking and help available for those who want to quit. Over 50 companies have signed up to the scheme, an important part of which has been the support offered to businesses to help them fulfil their pledge.

"We're delighted that these figures show a reduction in instances of lung cancer, but we will continue to help people to quit smoking."

The study by the Health and Social Care Information Centre revealed people in the county were far healthier according to figures by the Office of National Statistics.

The GMB union is campaigning for the proposed government smoking ban to be extended to cover all pubs and clubs.

GMB casinos organiser Peter Hunter said: "GMB will not agree to the Government introducing a two-tier workforce in regard to the smoking ban in workplaces."

Meanwhile, smokers are being told they could have an extra £35 a week in the run up to Christmas if they quit.

The Government says this is the amount experts think you will save by ditching a 20-a-day habit. Department of Health figures show that on average, a smoker puffing 20 cigarettes a day could save £1,800 a year by giving up.

That means after three days a smoker could afford a new £15 CD or after four days you could a £20 meal out.

Since January, over 1,000 people have been helped to stop smoking through courses run by the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service.

Each course runs for seven weeks and offers the chance to give up as part of a group rather than trying to quit on your own.

Head of the service Margaret Hewitson said: "By giving up, the average smoker can save a significant amount of money, and many successful quitters find they can spend this on themselves or their family. "Autumn's a great time to think about quitting, because it'll save cash in the run up to Christmas."

Selby and York Primary Care Trust's director of public health Rachel Johns said: "As well as the short term benefits of stopping smoking in terms of health and bank balance, there are, of course, many long term benefits that affect people of all ages.

"Giving up smoking reduces the chance of developing heart problems or cancer and there's less chance of suffering from a stroke."

The North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service runs courses across the county. For information, phone 01904 663310.

The York Coronary Support Group held two charity golf competitions earlier this year, raising over £7,000 for the Cardiac Research Unit at York District Hospital.

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, November 24, 2005