MORE than 1,000 people were helped to quit smoking during the past year in Durham and Chester-le-Street.

Figures yesterday from the area's primary care trust show that its stop-smoking team helped 1,066 people give up cigarettes during 2005.

Over the year, a further 60 health workers across the area were trained by the trust in giving advice to smokers, including staff at pharmacies in Framwellgate Moor, Meadowfield and Belmont.

There are also drop-in clinics at Chester-le-Street, Grange Villa, Ushaw Moor and Sherburn, and support for expectant mothers at the University Hospital of North Durham and the Children's Centre at Ushaw Moor.

Iain Miller, tobacco control and smoking cessation co-ordinator for the trust, said: "Providing stop-smoking services in a range of settings has made it easier for local people to get advice and support. We also provide stop smoking groups in the community where need dictates, and local people have a great choice of where to go for help.

"The stop-smoking team and everyone involved in delivering the service are delighted that the number of people who have successfully stopped at the four-week follow-up point continues to increase each year."