TEENAGERS aiming to kick the smoking habit have been given expert advice by health professionals in Darlington.

The town's primary care trust held sessions at schools this week, encouraging youngsters to quit smoking and warning them of the health dangers.

Trust bosses were driving the message home at Darlington's secondary schools, Darlington College of Technology and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

Joyce Varley, school nurses' team leader at the trust, said: "We wanted to obtain some ideas from the young people on how best to help them stop smoking."

The scheme will be continuing with further advice sessions planned.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "The best advice I can give to young people is never to start smoking but, if you do smoke and you want to stop, help is available.

"Professionals will be visiting schools and I urge pupils who smoke to talk to them and tell them what help they need to stop."