SMOKERS are being encouraged to avoid going cold turkey in the new year with statistics showing those who seek support are four times more likely to quit for good.

This is according to the NHS’s Stop Smoking Wales campaign, which is urging smokers in Ceredigion who want to quit as a New Year’s resolution to warm up by contacting them as early as possible to avoid the disappointment of over-subscription.

New statistics have confirmed that smokers who quit using the free support on offer from Stop Smoking Wales are four times as likely as those who go it alone to stay smoke-free for at least 12 months.

The Stop Smoking Wales sessions, which take place at the Ystwyth Medical group, Lampeter Leisure Centre, Newcastle Emlyn Surgery and Cardigan Leisure Centre, are typically three times busier in January than in December.

People who are interested in receiving free, effective help from Stop Smoking Wales should visit www.stopsmokingwales.com or call 0800 085 2219.See this week's south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow