SMOKERS in Derwentside are being offered help to tackle their addiction.

Stop smoking groups are being run every Saturday and Monday at Consett Rugby Club in Albert Road, Consett.

The groups are to complement the Saturday morning drop-in sessions at the Louisa Centre, in Stanley, and at several pharmacies across the district.

Organisers are looking for people who want to stop smoking and are prepared to work through a programme with the support of the County Durham Primary Care Trust Stop Smoking Service.

Mahshid Turner, stop smoking advisor, said: "These groups are now up and running and the interest in the first couple of weeks has been encouraging.

"Research shows that nicotine replacement therapy and other drugs may help you but, add the support of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service, and you are four times more likely to be successful.

"The NHS offers plenty of free help and support for people who want to give up smoking.

"If you feel the time is right for you to give up and you would like some advice, there are a number of options available."

Sessions at the rugby club are from noon to 1.30pm, on Saturday, and from 6pm to 7.30pm, on Monday.