A NEW series of smoking cessation sessions have begun for those hoping to quit for the New Year.

Last year 82 per cent of the 186 people who attended groups organised by Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust successfully gave up.

And for 2004, three new locations have been introduced.

Meetings will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with additional sessions on Saturday mornings.

Jan Holding, specialist advisor, said: "Over about six weeks we go through the whole process about stopping smoking.

"It does not matter if they don't stop in those six weeks, because you cannot just go from 40-a-day to being a non-smoker.

"If you are thinking of stopping, or you have stopped and are struggling a bit, the service is here to help."

The free service includes information on the health implications of smoking, advice on breaking the habit, and also on beating the nicotine addiction.

Carbon monoxide testing can also be carried out.

Tuesday sessions are at Darwen Leisure Centre from 10am-11am, Audley Community Centre, Chester Street, Backburn, from 6pm-7pm, The Park Child and Family Centre, Norfolk Grove, Blackburn, 6.30pm-7.30pm.

On Wednesdays New Era, Church Street, Accrington, has a session from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Thursday sessions are at the Darwen Health Centre annex, Union Street, from 6.30pm-7.30pm and, at the same time, at the Audley Day Centre, Bent Street.

A Saturday morning drop-in hour for general information on smoking will be held at Blackburn central library, Town Hall Street, from 10am-11am before a proper session from 11am-noon.

Call 01254 294727 for more information.