An e-cigarette shop in Clacton is the first in the district to offer a stop smoking service to residents.

Vaporever, in West Avenue, has signed Provide’s smoking cessation contract and will work in partnership with them, Tendring District Council (TDC) and Essex County Council to support smokers looking to quit, by providing one-to-one support and e-cigarette intervention.

Donna Porter, from Provide, has supported the shop manager Kerry Ford since December 2016 in developing the service, and they will use their new expertise to provide support to local individuals wishing to quit.

Ms Ford said she enjoys helping people stop smoking.

“Vaping is a logical way to help people give up cigarettes, and everything harmful that comes with them, and move to a healthier alternative,” she added.

“Our stop smoking support will provide a holistic approach to that journey to giving up for good.”

Lynda McWilliams, TDC Cabinet Member for Health and Education, said smoking remains one of the biggest causes of ill health and every year around 100,000 people in the UK die from smoking.

For more details go to www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk/stop-smoking/