Smokers in North Lincolnshire who want to kick the habit are being offered an extra incentive to quit.

Pharmacies in the region are offering free Quit Kits as part of a national initiative co-ordinated by the Department Of Health.

The Quit Kit is a box packed with practical tools and advice developed by health experts, smokers and ex-smokers.

And with a first come first served basis, smokers are being urged to pick up the free guidance packs as soon as they can.

They are filled with a distraction device to keep hands busy, tips on how to quit and contacts to find more help close by.

NHS North Lincolnshire said the boxes have already helped thousands of people quit smoking successfully.

And Sharon Levitt, supervisor dispenser at Lloyd Pharmacy in Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, said: "We have about three or four people coming in daily for a kit and so far they seem to be successful.

"Most people are quite happy with the kits and say they are a good aid to stop smoking."

Research shows smokers who use the service are four times more likely to succeed in quitting smoking than going it alone.

In addition bosses at NHS North Lincolnshire said they are offering more help than ever to smokers across the region.

North Lincolnshire Stop Smoking Service offers help and stop smoking support programmes to those who are motivated and want to quit their addiction to tobacco.

Greg Gough, North Lincolnshire Tobacco Control Co-ordinator, said: "Giving up smoking is the single most important thing people can do to improve their health.

"A huge amount of support is on offer from GPs, pharmacists and the NHS specialist stop smoking service.

"Hopefully the Quit Kits will be a springboard to give some smokers a kick start to their new year campaign."

Last year 900 people in North Lincolnshire quit with the help of specialist stop smoking services.

Health officials said this figure, complied by the NHS, looks set to be exceeded this year with three out of four people in North Lincolnshire now able to call themselves non or ex-smokers.

Recent statistics show that an estimated 320 deaths a year in North Lincolnshire are smoking related.

A spokeswoman for NHS North Lincolnshire said: "Smoking poisons your body and causes more than 80 per cent of deaths from lung cancer, bronchitis and a quarter of deaths from heart disease.

"If the many health reasons don't persuade you to quit then maybe the financial cost of smoking will.

"Ex-smokers save a huge amount of money."

Research shows a 20-a-day smoker will spend up to £2,200 on cigarettes.

The NHS Stop Smoking Service is free and sessions are held all over North Lincolnshire. For more information, call 0845 6032166

The free Quit Kits are being stocked by many pharmacies in North Lincolnshire.

To find your nearest pharmacy involved, see www.smokefree.nhs.uk