The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging St Albans smokers to get the support of local stop smoking services to help them quit on this year’s No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 12.

The latest figures show that 14 per cent of adults in St Albans smoke - which is lower than the national average of 20 per cent.

Half of all long-term smokers die because of their addiction to tobacco, making this one of the most pressing health concerns in the area, according to the heart charity.

Research from stop smoking services shows that smokers are four times more likely to be effective in quitting if they use specialist stop smoking support and treatment.

Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said: "Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. Stubbing the cigarettes out will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers and you’ll have more money to spend on things that you enjoy.

"We know that quitting isn’t easy but last year nearly a million smokers used No Smoking Day to try and mark the start of their smoke free future. We’re encouraging people to get support from their local stop smoking service now and join forces with other would-be quitters across the UK on March 12, to win the battle with cigarettes once and for all."