ONE in five adults smoke in Bolton, new figures reveal.

The British Heart Foundation's latest figures show that 21 per cent of people aged 16 and over in the borough smoke – three per cent above the national average.

The figure is a slight decrease on the year before, when it was revealed that 23 per cent of Bolton adults smoked.

The BHF is now urging residents to visit their local stop smoking services ahead of this year’s No Smoking Day on March 11.

Studies have found that smokers are four times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from NHS stop smoking services than if they go it alone.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: “Smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers. The good news is that stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart health and the risk to your overall health decreases significantly soon after you stop.

“We’re encouraging smokers to visit their GP, pharmacist or local stop smoking advisor to receive resources, information, and advice on quitting smoking. Getting prepared for your quit attempt is the first step on the journey towards a smoke-free life.

“Join the nearly one million smokers who will make an attempt this No Smoking Day, and make 11 March the day you start to stop.”

The BHF’s survey found that nearly two-thirds of smokers in the UK have argued with a loved one about their habit.

Smokers are most likely to argue with their loved ones about the risks to their health and the financial cost of cigarettes.

To receive information and support on stopping smoking visit nosmokingday.org.uk and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NoSmokingDay.