ADVICE and help will be available to smokers who want to stub out the habit on next Wednesday's (March 13) national No Smoking Day.

Special public information stands will be sited in the entrance of Fairfield General Hospital and Mill Gate Shopping Centre from 9.30am and 4.30pm.

They will be manned by advisors from Bury and Rochdale smoking cessation services and the health promotion unit.

Visitors to the stand will be able to have their carbon monoxide levels checked. Leaflets giving advice how to quit the habit will also be available from many unmanned stands in the town centre, GP's surgeries and fitness centres.

The smoking cessation service has been available to residents of Bury and Rochdale for the last two and half years, and boasts a success rate that is higher than the national average in helping smokers quit. The service is aimed primarily at pregnant women, young people, adults on low income and ethnic minorities. However, individuals can self-refer to the service.

Tracey Langley, the service's co-ordinator, said: "National No Smoking Day is an excellent vehicle to make members of the public aware of the services that we provide. Many health problems are caused by smoking and it is the main risk factor associated with lung cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic lung disease and it can be harmful to unborn babies. Smoking kills 120,000 people a year in the UK.

"For any individuals thinking of obtaining help, advice or guidance about giving up smoking visiting one of the manned stands on no smoking day many be an ideal starting point."

She concluded: "It is important that prospective clients know that the service is not anti-smoker but is there to help smokers who want to stop."