More people than ever are choosing to quit smoking, but health officials say more can be done.

In the year up to March 2010, 737,537 smokers across England pledged to quit using NHS Stop Smoking Services, up by 13 per cent from the previous year.

After four weeks, just over half had successfully managed to quit, 11 per cent more than last year.

The results for North East Lincolnshire were equally as encouraging with 56 per cent of smokers who signed up with the Stop Smoking Services successfully managing to quit.

Despite these results, health officials are encouraging more smokers to kick the habit for good, claiming more needs to be done.

There are many benefits to be had from quitting smoking including, improved health, better sense of smell and taste, the feel good factor of being able to quit as well as having more money to spend on things you want or enjoy.

Health officials in North East Lincolnshire offer a range of stop smoking services including one-to-one and group sessions.

There is an ‘open rolling’ programme which is designed to provide support within the first few weeks of quitting as research suggests this is the toughest period.

Quitters also have access to a relapse prevention session within which they can discuss on going issues as well as swapping tips and ideas on how to remain Smokefree with fellow ex smokers.

Acting executive director of public health, Geoffrey Barnes, said: "These results are very encouraging and it shows that the services we provide are working.

"However, smoking related diseases are still one of the biggest killers in the UK and more needs to be done to make sure these numbers keep falling.

Portfolio holder for healthier communities and adult social care, Councillor Steve Hocknell, said: "As a council, one of our main aims is to improve the health and well-being of our residents and reducing the number of smokers is a big part of that.

"A lot of people want to quit and it is important to remember they do not have to do it alone."

For more information about the services available, contact the support team on 0845 603 2166 or visit: www.freedomfromsmoke.org.uk