HUNDREDS of dales residents have given themselves a health boost by stopping smoking during the past year.

Clinics linked with every GP surgery in Wear Valley and Teesdale are helping more people kick the habit every week.

The first evening clinic opened last night in Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland, as the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust (PCT) expanded its Stop Smoking service, with backing from family agency Sure Start and Wear Valley District Council. The PCT and the council are in partnership with The Northern Echo and Northumbrian Water in A Chance to Live campaign encouraging people to live healthier lifestyles.

The drive aims to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease, which can be caused by heavy smoking along with a range of other conditions including cancer, asthma, strokes and infertility.

Information about the clinics is available at all GP surgeries. The Woodhouse Close session is from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, on Thursdays. Contact 07766 026488 for more details.