DOZENS of Huddersfield smokers pledged to quit the unhealthy habit to mark No Smoking Day.

Blood pressure checks, carbon monoxide testing and face-painting were among the activities available at the Packhorse Shopping Centre this week to convince smokers to stub out their cigarettes for good.

A team of advisors from Kirklees Stop Smoking Service were on hand to offer advice on kicking the habit and information about support groups in the area.

Joy Thomas, a specialist advisor, said: “We have had a lot of interest from people and quite a few wanted to stop. It is just a case of taking that first step.

“Once they do that, many go on to become non-smokers.”

Smokers were offered free carbon monoxide readings and blood pressure checks to highlight the harmful effect smoking has on the body.

They also had the chance to win prizes by trying their luck on the tombola.

Joy added: “A lot of them were shocked by the carbon monoxide readings we were doing. But we were able to explain that it would go down once they stopped smoking which I think made a lot of people think.

“People were also taking leaflets away so they can drop into our groups when they feel ready to stop.

“Hopefully we got the message across and the day will help boost the uptake of our groups.”

For more information about getting help to quit call Kirklees Stop Smoking Service on 01484 344285.