SMOKERS across the borough were trying to kick the habit this week on the 19th national No Smoking Day.

The Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT, along with Fresh Focus -- who help people who want to quit the habit, have urged smokers to stop killing themselves.

The aim of the campaign is to spread the word about the best way of giving up smoking permanently, starting this week with No Smoking Day.

Paula Jackson, the Public Health Specialist for the PCT, said: "Figures show that 70 per cent of people who smoke want to give up, and No Smoking Day is as good a time as any to quit the habit. People complain and say that they have to wait for health benefits once they quit but there are instant benefits.

She said that after 20 minutes of quitting smoking your blood pressure returns to normal, after a day your body starts to clear out the nicotine in your system, after two weeks your blood circulation improves, and after three to nine months your lungs start to function much better.

The campaign had this advice for anyone who wanted to stop smoking.

Name a date to quit, like No Smoking Day, and use the time to prepare.

Get as much information as possible about treatments and services that can help.

Write down all the reasons why you want to stop, and keep a note handy to keep you motivated.

Ask friends and workmates to support you.

Stay away from smoky bars and restaurants for a few days -- they can undermine your willpower.

Practise saying "no thanks, I don't smoke now."

And if smokers want to give up then help is at hand.

Speak to your local GP, practise nurse or any other health professional for advice and support.

Contact Fresh Focus, Wigan's Smoking Cessation service, who offer free support to smokers who are thinking of quitting -- 0845 3001579.

Phone the NHS Smoking Helpline and the NHS Pregnancy Smoking helpline on 0800 1690169. It's open from 7am to 11.00pm seven days a week and offers friendly, practical advice on how to give up.

Log onto the NHS website www.givingupsmoking.co.uk which offers facts and figures on the dangers of smoking and the benefits of giving up.