SMOKERS in Wales are being encouraged to stop during October as part of a campaign to encourage as many as possible to begin to kick the habit altogether.

The Stoptober campaign urges people to give up smoking for 28 days, and has been launched in Wales for the first time as part of a 2013 programme that also takes in England.

“Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to give up smoking permanently," said Wales' chief medical officer, Dr Ruth Hussey.

"Nearly 70% of smokers already want to stop smoking and by providing a detailed 28-day step-by-step programme to support them, we hope we can encourage as many as possible to stop smoking for 28 days.

“Those that do give up smoking for 28 days and longer will begin to experience financial, physical and health benefits, including better sense of taste and smell, as well as reducing their risk of lung cancer and heart disease."

Around 570,000 people in Wales smoke, which represents 23 per cent of the adult population.

Stoptober is designed to run alongside Stop Smoking Wales programmes, which offers free NHS support. Smokers wishing to stop can call the service on 0800 085 2219 or visit www.stopsmokingwales.com