A PENSIONER who has dedicated herself to helping people stop smoking has beaten health professionals from across the UK to a top award.

Netty Creswell, 74, was honoured as Stop Smoking Supporter of 2006 by the charity Quit.

The smoking cessation volunteer visits Monklands Hospital in Airdrie every week to encourage and motivates patients who want to give up.

Netty said: "I am amazed and really proud I was picked out for this prize. I've quit smoking myself so I know what it's like.

"I feel so much better now and I'm proof it can be done - even by someone of my age. Now I help other smokers.

"I chat to them when they're patients on the wards then do follow up phone calls once they go home."

Smoking cessation nurse Catherine Burke nominated Netty for the award.

She said: "Netty does an absolutely amazing job. She deserves recognition for the work she puts in - she is an inspiration to us all.

"She's a real character - you can always hear her laughing and joking with the patients down the corridor. She understands what the smokers are going through and offers them ongoing support and companionship too."