MORE is to be done to help South Craven smokers – including children – kick the habit.

A report from North Yorkshire County Council and partner organisations highlights the successful first year of a tobacco control strategy.

And it sets out further action planned in the next 12 months – such as the provision of more smoke-free areas where youngsters play and closer liaison with schools to help young people quit.

There will also be increased efforts to ensure workplaces are supportive to employees wishing to stop smoking.

A range of programmes has already been introduced since the strategy was launched.

Initiatives include a county council-funded stop smoking service, Smokefreelife North Yorkshire.

It provides free support for people who live or work in the county, including group and one-to-one sessions, a telephone helpline and medication.

Katie Needham, North Yorkshire's consultant in public health, said: "The report highlights the diverse approach taken to tackle tobacco in our communities and to help us realise our ambition of a smoke-free generation by 2025.

"By working together in partnership, we are able to address a range of issues better, such as reducing smoking in pregnancy, cracking down on illicit tobacco and promoting smoke-free places for children."

For more information about the support available, visit smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk, call 0800 2465215 or 01609 663023 or text QUIT to 66777.