SMOKERS will be given the opportunity to find out just how much their lungs are affected by cigarettes as part of an initiative to persuade more people to kick the habit over the next few days.

The Hambleton and Richmondshire Tobacco Alliance takes to the road with a series of workshops during national No Smoking Week, which begins today, and part of the programme is a free test for lung capacity.

"The more you smoke and the older you get, the more your lung capacity diminishes," said spokesman Pat Marshall.

Tests are available at Boots, in Thirsk, today, the Northallerton store on Wednesday, and in Richmond on Saturday, all between 10am and 3pm.

The team will also call at Gales Chemist, in Colburn, between 9.30am and 1pm on Thursday, and Moss Chemists, in Stokesley, between 11.30am and 2pm on Friday.