MORE smokers in Hampshire are kicking the habit new research has revealed.

Data released by the University College of London has shown that the number of smokers quitting in the county is at its highest rate for at least a decade.

The report shows that 56 per cent of smokers who used drop in clinics managed to stop smoking, with an overall decline in the addiction of 17.8 per cent among adults.

It means around just one in five adults in the county are now smokers.

To continue the trend, smokers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being urged to join the ranks of ex-smokers by taking part in Stoptober - the mass quitting challenge from Public Health England starting on October 1.

Jason Mahoney, tobacco lead for Public Health England South East, said: “Stoptober is a perfect time for smokers to try and give up smoking – however many times they may have tried in the past. The annual campaign provides the perfect opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to work together towards quitting smoking for good.

“Quitting really is the best thing a smoker can do for their health and by committing to quit you will join thousands of smokers across the South East this Stoptober who want to make a positive change to their health.”

Despite the fall in the number of smokers, tobacco remains the number one killer in England.

It also a chief cause of long-term poor health with one in four hospital beds occupied by a smoker.

In 2015/16 smoking attributable hospital admissions in Hampshire accounted for 9,787 people - with 1,886 of those from Southampton.

Julia Robson Head of service, Quit4Life, Hampshire Stop Smoking Service added: "We are definitely now seeing more people in Hampshire quit smoking once and for all. And we are also seeing more people than ever before approaching services for support in kicking the habit."

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