A record number of people stubbed it out in BEFORE the smoking ban introduced on Sunday.

The number of people opting to quit smoking has soared by 311 per cent in June, compared to the same month last year.

A total of 262 contacted Bolton's Stop Smoking Services throughout June, compared to just 84 in the same period last year.

And health bosses predict as many as 800 people could decide to quit in July now the ban has been introduced.

Adrian Butterworth, manager of Bolton's Stop Smoking Service, said: "I think this increase is as a direct result of the ban. The smoking restrictions have motivated a lot of people to quit smoking and many of them come to our service for support.

"Giving up smoking is the biggest thing people can do as a health benefit and we're there to support anyone who wants to give up and offer them the treatment they need completely free of charge."

Between April 2006 and April 2007 the number of people stubbing it out in Bolton soared to 2,204, smashing the Government target of 2,099.

In the previous 12 month period the number of people quitting was 2,149.

In Bolton 29.6 per cent of people smoke, and in some areas, such as Johnson Fold, this figure can be as high as 65 per cent, compared to a national average of 27 per cent.

The Bolton News launched its Stub It Out campaign when these figures were revealed, calling for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

Last February MPs voted with a massive majority for such a ban, and it was introduced on July 1.

Anyone caught flouting the ban will face a £50 fixed penalty notice and businesses permitting people to smoke on their premises could be slapped with a £2,500 fine.

But town centre landlord Nick Hogan is allowing people to smoke in his two pubs - The Swan and Barristers.

Council bosses have warned him he could be handed the £2,500 fine and face a court appearance.