A TRIP to the seaside with his nieces nine years ago convinced John Sicolo (pictured) that he had to give up smoking.

The TJ's nightclub owner found himself panting so hard after climbing up the steps from the lifeboat museum at Cromer, Norfolk, that he thought he was going to pass out.

"That upset my two nieces who were with me so much that I knew I had to do something about my smoking habit. It was badly affecting my health," said Mr Sicolo, who smoked three packs of cigarettes a day at the time.

Almost a decade on, Mr Sicolo is getting involved in No Smoking Day by hosting a team from Newport Health Promotion Department at TJ's at the regular clubnight tonight. Clubgoers will be encouraged to sign up to quit smoking with the support of the Gwent Smoking Cessation Team, and in return will receive 'freebies' and entry to a free prize draw.

The theme for this year's No Smoking Day is 'make it a day to remember' and Alma Feeney, of Newport Health Promotion Department, hopes the TJ's event will be memorable.

"It's something a little bit different and we're hoping people will be inspired to take up the challenge of quitting," she said.

Mr Sicolo vividly remembers his decision to quit, but said that it was several years before his cravings disappeared.

"I don't crave for a cigarette now and don't mind being in the company of smokers, but it was only a couple of years ago that those cravings stopped," he said.

"It's not easy, but I have definitely felt healthier." More information on how to quit is available on the No Smoking Day website at:

www.nosmokingday.org.uk or by contacting Alma Feeney on 01633 238170. Gwent Health Author-ity's Smoking Cessation Service also runs a freephone helpline - 0800 085 2219.

Staff at Pontypool Leisure Centre will be assessing the smoking habits of willing centre users and offering advice and support where required. The staff have been specially trained to help the smoking cessation drive and will be backed up by members of the smoking cessation service and Torfaen Health Promotion Department.