SMOKERS are being urged to “ditch and switch” tobacco for e-cigarettes in the run up to Christmas in a bid to save money and improve health.

North-East’s Fresh has revealed that quitting could see a 15-a-day smoker saving around £47 per week or £2,675 per year in the run up to the festive period.

The region’s stop smoking services have advised that e-cigarettes are around 95 per cent safer to smoke than a regular cigarette and cheaper overall.

Alisa Rutter, director of Fresh, said: “Most smokers would like to be able to quit and we’re urging everyone to give it another go for New Year.

“Every pack of tobacco cigarettes can lead to a mutation which can cause cancer, so every pack of cigarettes you don’t smoke is doing you good.

“Stop smoking services can provide really effective support and products to ease the cravings.”

For more information or support to stop smoking, contact Smokefreelife County Durham by calling 0800-7720565 or 0191-3692016.