SMOKERS in Okehampton looking to kick the habit as part of Stoptober can receive support from Parklands Leisure Centre to embrace their new healthier lifestyle.

Stoptober is the first ever mass quit attempt launched by the Department of Health, which is targeting the nation's eight million smokers. Research shows that if smokers can stop for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit the habit permanently.

Throughout the month the centre is offering residents and their families a free three-day gym pass and one 30-minute personal training session to help people embrace healthier living and as an additional incentive to quit.

Jon Smith, contract manager at Parklands, said: 'This is a fantastic new Government campaign and we're proud to be supporting it. Smoking accounts for one in four cancer deaths so it's vital that work continues to support smokers to quit. We hope our local residents take full advantage of our offer during Stoptober. It's key that smokers don't give up trying to give up.'

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Okehampton Community Hospital, is also backing the campaign and encouraging smokers to take part in the scheme.

For more information on support with quitting smoking, call the Devon Stop Smoking Service on 01884 836024. For more information visit http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober">www.smokefree.nhs.uk/Stoptober

To find out more about Parklands, call 01837 659154.