EAST Cheshire smokers are being challenged to get fit, healthy and improve their wellbeing throughout Stoptober next month.

The 28-day national campaign, which has inspired 1.5 million people to quit nationally since 2012, gets underway on Sunday and is being supported by Cheshire East Council.

Research shows that people who successfully stop smoking for four weeks are five times more likely to stop for good than those who don’t participate in the campaign.

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, CEC cabinet member for health, said: "Stopping smoking is a crucial way in which a person can improve their health quickly.

"When you quit, blood pressure is reduced, it’s easier to breathe, your skin looks better and you feel better because of improved blood circulation levels.

"While smoking rates have reduced in the borough, 13 per cent of adults in Cheshire East still smoke.

"I urge these people to access the stop smoking support available through One You Cheshire East, a health initiative which helps local residents to live better, healthier and longer lives."

Currently, more than 40,000 adults still smoke in the borough.

CEC is tackling this issue by providing support through One You Cheshire East, which provides expert support and advice about quitting the deadly habit.

From the free Stoptober app, One You gives support for people looking to quit. It’s available on the App store and Google Play store and provides motivation and expert support, advice on how to deal with cravings and keeps track of how much money you’re saving by not smoking.

In order to speak to someone at One You Cheshire East about quitting smoking and to get advice – including the use of e-cigarettes – ring your local stop smoking service free on 0800 085 8818, or visit the One You website at: oneyoucheshireeast.org