A stop smoking campaign is urging the 38,310 adults of Dorset to quit the fags.

Latest Public Health England (PHE) data shows that 623,172 people still smoke in the south west, including 12.4 per cent of the population in Dorset (over 18s).

Its quit smoking campaign, Stoptober, returns in October to help the area's remaining smokers 'split up' with their bad relationship with smoking.

Health officials say being smoke free is now the norm, but despite smoking rates being lower than ever before, thousands still smoke in Dorset.

Stoptober encourages smokers to make a quit attempt and join those who have already quit this year.

Russ Moody, Health and Wellbeing Manager for PHE South West said: “We know that Stoptober provides a good opportunity for people thinking about quitting to take the plunge and go for it.

“For anyone thinking of quitting, it’s important to remember that it is much easier to quit with the right support and by doing it in Stoptober you can be confident that you are not doing it alone which we know is a factor for success.

“There are a number of resources out there, specialist stop smoking services, free personal quit plans and a smokefree app that helps you to track your progress, see how much you are saving and get daily support.

“E-cigarettes are also a great way to fight cravings. By quitting you will feel healthier, save money and protect your family”

Stoptober has supported over 1.9 million people on their quit journey to date – if a smoker can make it to 28 days smokefree, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

Visit nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober to sign up or find out more on what support is available.