A FATHER-TO-BE has made it to the semi-finals of the Quitter of the Year awards.

Russell Welsh, 36, from Hartlepool, used the news of his wife's pregnancy as his motivation to quit smoking.

He has now beaten off competition from former smokers across the UK to make it through to the semi-finals.

Quit campaign counsellors will visit all the semi-finalists to discover more about their inspirational stories.

In October, a judging panel will decide on eight people for the final.

The Quitter of the Year, and their supporter, will each receive travel vouchers worth £1,500.

and the runner-up will get vouchers to the value of £1,000. All the finalists and their guests will be invited to stay overnight in London and attend a glittering awards event in December.

The person awarded the title of Quitter of the Year, and their supporter, will each receive travel vouchers worth £1,500.