Hertfordshire County Council has urged residents who smoke to give up for No Smoking Day 2016.

No Smoking Day, on Wednesday, March 9, is an annual campaign run by the British Heart Foundation.

Studies show that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, but nearly one in five adults in Hertfordshire continue to smoke, usually after becoming addicted in childhood.

This year’s theme is ‘proud to be a quitter’, which challenges the idea that in life people are told to never give up, but when it comes to smoking being a ‘quitter’ is a good thing.

Teresa Heritage, cabinet member for public health, localism and libraries said: “We understand that the majority of smokers want to stop smoking, but many find the task too daunting.

No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to inspire smokers in Hertfordshire to quit for good.

“With support, smokers are more likely to succeed in their quit attempt. That is why we will be out in force on No Smoking Day, giving information to smokers on the range of local services and resources available to them.”

Hertfordshire County Council will be holding a Stop Smoking Day event at Lister Hospital on Tuesday, March 8 from 10am to 2pm.

Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Services provide free, local stop smoking support to anyone who lives or works in Hertfordshire. They can provide advice on treatment options such as nicotine replacement therapy or Champix, as well as advice and support for smokers who are using electronic cigarettes.

To discuss all the options available text SMOKEFREE to 80818, call 0800 389 3998 or visit www.hertsdirect.org/stopsmoking.