Smokers are being urged to kick the habit for good in 2015, as health workers say they will be on hand to help people attempting to quit.

The message has come as Live Well Suffolk’s 1,000 Smokers Wanted campaign picks up steam ahead of the New Year.

There are an estimated 87,000 people in Suffolk who smoke. The health group’s aim is to raise awareness of the support that is available to people in the county.

Henry Tapp, lead for Live Well Suffolk’s stop smoking services, said: “We’ll be on hand this New Year to help people take the first steps towards a smoke free lifestyle.

“We will work with clients on an individual basis to work out the best method of quitting for them and help them with the practicalities of quitting, like how to deal with cravings and how to avoid weight gain.

“Our stop smoking support is completely free, so there’s nothing stopping you from giving quitting a try.

“Trying to give up smoking is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people make, but often they don’t succeed. Quitting is tough, and we don’t want people to think that just because they’ve tried and failed in the past, they can’t try again.

“With our help, smokers are four times more likely to successfully quit than they are if they go it alone.”

Live Well Suffolk’s call has come as the Health Harms stop smoking initiative was launched by Public Health England, which highlights how smoking damages the body.

It states that while many smokers are aware of the damage the habit does to the heart and lungs, a new PHE report shows it also damages bones, muscles, brain, teeth and eyes.

To sign up to Live Well Suffolk’s 1,000 Smokers Wanted campaign, text QUIT to 80011, call 01473 229292 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk