SMOKERS are quitting the habit in their droves in Darlington - beating national targets by 25 per cent.

Darlington Primary Care Trust helped 670 people give up smoking and stay off cigarettes for at least four weeks last year, far exceeding a Government-set target of 540.

The town's efforts have been boosted by the formation of a "tobacco alliance", spearheaded by the trust, together with Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Partnership.

A host of initiatives have been run throughout the year, including public campaigns surrounding head and neck cancer.

Trust stop-smoking advisor Darcy Brown said: "We are managing to get through to more people. But there is no room for complacency. Smoking kills, second-hand smoke likewise. We encourage smokers to avoid smoking around others, to seek help to give it up and enjoy better health and more money."

The figures were revealed days after a new campaigning group published a survey showing that 75 per cent of people in the region want to see smoking in the workplace banned.

Smoke Free North-East also said 70 per cent would support a change in the law to make smoking at work and in public places illegal.

The trust's next evening stop smoking session will take place on Monday, July 4, at 6pm, in the King Street walk-in health centre. To book a place, telephone (01325) 746114.