FOR the first time, County Durham’s stop smoking service will give away free patches this No Smoking Day – March 14.

No Smoking Day is an annual health promotion day set up to encourage smokers to make a quit attempt and this year is tomorrow.

For the first time, Smokefreelife County Durham will be giving away free nicotine replacement therapy patches in five locations across the county to help assist those wanting to quit on No Smoking Day 2018.

Stop smoking advisors will be available at venues in Consett, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Seaham between 9.30am and 4pm.

Those trying to quit will receive one week’s worth of patches for free after filling out a short assessment with the advisor and will then be referred to their nearest clinic to receive further treatment and ongoing support.

The stop smoking advisors will be in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland; St Cuthbert's Walk, Chester-le-Street; Morrisons in Consett; Newton Aycliffe town centre and Byron Place, Seaham.

Research shows that accessing a stop smoking service and quitting with an advisor makes you four times more likely to be successful than going it alone. Smokefreelife County Durham offers free support to anyone living or working in County Durham.

For more information, text NSD18P to 66777 or call 0191-369-2016.