SMOKERS desperate to kick the habit in the new year are being offered a helping hand with their resolutions by health care bosses.

Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust is offering a free service for locals who want to quit cigarettes, no matter how many they smoke a day.

The Smoking Cessation Service gives advice on how addicts can prepare themselves to stop smoking and practical hints and tips on what to do during difficult times.

Help can be given in groups or on an individual basis if preferred.

The Smoking Cessation Service says more than 70 per cent of smokers say they would like to quit, but attempting to stop smoking with no support can be tough. Only three per cent of smokers succeed.

Local couple Janice and Warren McCarthy were helped by the service after hearing about it from their GP. Janice said: "I'd estimate we smoked around 50 cigarettes a day between us.

"To tell the truth I was very sceptical whether the service would work initially, but I decided to give it a go and attended a six-week support group.

"Within two weeks I had quit totally and haven't smoked a cigarette since, or even had the urge to.

"I cannot believe how easy it has been."

Janet Duckworth, of the Primary Care Trust, said: "As an advisor in stopping smoking I understand just how difficult it is to stop. However, we promote the message to smokers that it really is possible with the help and support that is available to them."

The service is free and further information is available by calling the team on 01772 644474.