BENTHAM practice nurse Rachel Clay has won national recognition for her success in helping patients to stop smoking.

Rachel reached the finals of a "Supporter of the Year" scheme thanks to her dedication in providing smokers with a consistently excellent smoking cessation service.

An employee of Craven, Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust based at Bentham Surgery, Rachel has seen more patients than any other local smoking cessation adviser.

Her four-week success rate is 58 per cent, which exceeds the average by 10 per cent.

She told the Herald: "I was delighted to reach the final three. We all go on lots of training courses because our work is very general. I really enjoy the smoking cessation work.

"I have been doing it for about 18 months and have seen around 140 patients. They have usually been to the doctor who has prescribed some kind of nicotine replacement.

"I like to see them when they have finished their treatment.

"Usually if one family member comes to see me, more will follow. I have seen heavy, long term smokers and ones that haven't been smoking for so long."

Her service is very much word of mouth with previous clients telling other smokers about Rachel's dedication.

Local GPs are very supportive and more than happy to refer patients to her.

Dr Clive Story, a Bentham GP and chairman of the PCT's Professional Executive Committee, added: "Rachel has been known to give up her day off to join the update sessions held by North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service and even to travel through sleet and snow.

"She is more than happy to 'go that extra mile' to help her patients, and richly deserves her accolade."

Dr Andrew Clark, director of public health for the PCT commented: "Rachel's contribution in reducing the prevalence of smoking is vitally important to help individuals and communities improve health.

"To be one of the three finalists in a national scheme is a really outstanding achievement."

Stop smoking advice can be found on the national helpline number: 0800 169 0 169 or contact North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service on 01904 663310 for local information.