MORE than 1,200 people have stopped smoking in the past year, thanks to the services offered by six primary care groups in County Durham and Darlington.

That is more than three times the target set by the Government for the team of smoking cessation advisors in the county.

The smoking cessation service can be accessed through GP practices or by calling the specialist advisory service.

Smokers are offered free support, nicotine replacement therapy on prescription and Zyban - a drug that can help people give up smoking.

Dawn Hull, smoking cessation advisor for the Dales Primary Care Group, said: "Helping the people of County Durham and Darlington quit smoking is an important priority for improving the health of local people.

"By offering nicotine replacement therapy or Zyban and support, we know that more smokers who quit will stay quit."

She said six months after stopping smoking, the risk of getting heart disease, cancer and other smoking-related diseases begins to fall.

For help to quit call (01325) 744719 or 0191-333 6389.