Today marks start of Stoptober '“ encouraging smokers to quit habit

Today marks the start of Stoptober which encourages people to quit smoking for the month of October. 

Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows 13 per cent of people in the south east are smokers, a seven per cent drop compared to 10 years ago.

However, Portsmouth has a smoking prevalence of 15 per cent, just higher than the England average.

Angela Baker, deputy director for health & wellbeing at PHE south east said: '˜Stoptober is a perfect time for smokers to try and stop '“ however many times they may have tried in the past.

'˜The annual campaign provides the opportunity for people to work together towards quitting for good.'