A NEW campaign is urging smokers across the district to stub-out the habit.

Its launch comes as figures show that over 800 people in the Bradford district die every year from smoking-related conditions, and around 1,700 are admitted to hospital.

The latest initiative, Don't Be the One, is being backed by Bradford Council and NHS health partners.

Ralph Saunders, the council's head of public health, said: "Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your health and quality of life.

"It doesn’t matter how many times you have tried before, quitting at any age lowers your risk of dying early – so the sooner you stop smoking, the better."

The campaign highlights that one in two long-term smokers will die from a smoking-related disease – some aged only in their forties.

Smoking is behind about 80 per cent of deaths from lung cancer, bronchitis and emphysema, and around 14 per cent from heart disease.

Dr Katherine Hickman, respiratory lead for NHS Bradford and Craven clinical commissioning groups, said: "Smoking tobacco is much more harmful than most people think.

"It might be tempting to say ‘this won’t happen to me’, but a one in two chance are odds that nobody would want.

"There are more ways to quit than ever before and I’d urge anyone who smokes to give it a go.

"Getting the right support to quit gives you a much better chance, whether that is nicotine replacement, medication, visiting your local stop-smoking service or switching to an electronic cigarette – a significantly less harmful option.

"Your GP can help you decide what the best options are for you, as everyone’s route to quitting is different."

For tips on quitting, visit dontbethe1.tv.

The Bradford district stop-smoking service can be contacted on 01274 437700, and North Yorkshire on 01609 797272. Alternatively, contact your GP or pharmacy.