SMOKERS in Oldham are being encouraged to take part in Stoptober.

The 28-day stop smoking challenge from Public Health England and run by Oldham Council begins on October 1.

Quitting smoking is easier with the right support, say health chiefs.

Options include face-to-face support, nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches, inhalers or lozenges) and e-cigarettes.

To date, Stoptober has driven thousands of quit attempts and quitting success rates are at an all-time high.

Stoptober also offers a range of extra free quitting support including a Stoptober app, Facebook messenger bot, daily emails and Stoptober online communities.

A council spokesman said: "If you are a smoker, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you."

Oldham Stop Smoking Service is also on hand to provide free, expert face-to-face support and guidance.

People who quit with the support of a stop smoking service adviser are four times more likely to successfully stop for good, the authority says.

The stop smoking service can be contact them on 0800 288 9008. The service, commissioned by Oldham Council, is delivered by Positive Steps.

Help is also available by visiting https://www.oldham.gov.uk/Quit

As part of Stoptober activities, a Hits Radio roadshow will be taking place in Oldham town centre on Wednesday, October 2.

Support and advice will be available from 10am until 4pm at Sainsbury’s (next door to Medtia Place where the Stop Smoking Service is located).

Cllr Zahid Chauhan, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Having healthy residents is a priority for us.

“There is lots of help and support on offer for residents during Stoptober so it’s a good time to stub out your cigarettes once and for all.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you have tried before, call our specialist stop smoking advisers and take on the challenge this year.

“Quitting is the best thing you can do for your health and with the help of Oldham Stop Smoking Service, the campaign’s support and motivation I am sure we will have another successful Stoptober.”