Banning people from smoking in public places has encouraged many to quit.

Within months of the legislation being introduced in July 2007, sales of cigarettes were said to have dropped, and while the ardent few will still find their sanctuary in outdoor smoking shelters specially erected at various social venues, it seems for many the ban gave them just reason to stub it out for good.

As National No Smoking Day approaches on March 12, health experts in Bradford are hoping many more will follow suit and quit their habit.

The aim of the event, now in its 31st year, is to inspire thousands of smokers to seek support and work on their own personal plan.

In Bradford, 21.5 per cent of adults smoke compared to 20 per cent in both Yorkshire and Humberside and the whole of the country.

The harmful effects smoking can have on health is evident in statistics which reveal there were 766 smoking-related deaths per year among people over 35 in Bradford between 2009 and 2011.

Then there is the cost. According to Public Health England, the average smoker has 13 cigarettes a day, equating to 364 cigarettes every four weeks, costing £141 over four weeks and £1,696 in a year.

About two-thirds of smokers in the UK say they want to stop and 30 per cent are actively trying to quit each year.

Airedale Hospital’s Quit Group, held every Thursday morning, will be offering information and signposting staff and patients on to places and resources where they can seek help and advice. An information stand will also be at Asda in Keighley between noon and 3pm on March 12.

Medical secretary Alison Higgins managed to stop smoking for 15 years, but two bereavements prompted her to start again more than a year ago.

Her daughter’s refusal to give her a bedtime kiss because she smelled of smoke was the impetus Alison needed to give up smoking for good.

“I was devastated and I rang the smoking cessation team the following day and went along to see them. I was given invaluable, up-to-date information and excellent strategies to deal with not just the physical aspects of smoking, but also the mental and emotional attachment.

“There was never any pressure to quit by a certain date or to use a particular quit smoking product, and now I’m still a non-smoker and feeling the benefits every day.

“Some days are still really hard, particularly if they are stressful, but I haven’t given in to the urge yet.

“One other thing helps me and that is the NHS ‘Smokefree App’ on my telephone – it shows me how many days, hours and minutes I’ve been smoke-free, and more importantly for me, it shows me how much money I’ve saved since I stopped. One quick glance at that sets me up for the rest of the day.”

Catherine Bramley, ward manager of the ambulatory care unit, had wanted to give up smoking for years but had never found the right time before now.

“I had never tried to stop before, I just didn’t know how. I had been a pack-a-day smoker for many years. Taking part in Airedale’s ‘Quit Group’ gave me the motivation, knowledge and a plan of action. I haven’t had a cigarette for almost four months, and I feel great.”

Joanne Nykol, tobacco lead for Bradford Council, says: “There was an increase in the number of quit-smoking attempts in the Bradford district of around 25 per cent following the introduction of smoking legislation in 2007, and we’ve seen an average of around 8,000 people looking to stop smoking every year since that time.

“There has also been an increased focus on supporting people to give up smoking.

“Two-thirds of smokers now are considering quitting and, although just under half of all attempts are successful, people are becoming increasingly aware of the health and financial benefits of giving up cigarettes or other tobacco products.

“Stopping smoking can have a positive impact on your health straight away, with your blood pressure and heart rate returning to normal after just 20 minutes, the carbon monoxide in your body eliminated after a day and your energy levels improving after three days.

“Giving up such an addictive substance as nicotine can be difficult, and help from friends, relatives and stop-smoking services can make all the difference.

“We know that around two-thirds of smokers want to give up, but only a third make a serious attempt, so getting support makes a real difference.”

For more information, call Bradford stop smoking service on (01274) 437700 or visit smokefree.nhs.uk for additional help.