EX-SMOKERS in Huddersfield are being invited to compete for the title of Quitter Of The Year 2004.

The awards are run by anti-smoking charity Quit, which offers advice and support to smokers trying to kick the habit.

The Quitter Of The Year Award is sponsored by Nicotinell, a firm which makes products to help wean people off smoking.

The idea of the awards is to reward smokers who have quit and to encourage more people to do the same.

Eight finalists will be shortlisted and will be treated to a celebratory day in London.

The overall winner will get £2,000 worth of holiday vouchers at a ceremony in the autumn.

Two other special awards will be present- ed, Celebrity Quitter Of The Year 2004 and Smoking Cessation Support Award, for health professionals or anyone who has helped a smoker quit.

Steve Crone, chief executive of Quit, said: " These awards have been created to ack- nowledge and congratulate those individuals who have quit and to demonstrate that people who are trying to stop smoking are not alone."

To nominate someone - or yourself - ring Quitline free on 0800 00 22 00 from 9am to 9pm, or visit www.quit.org.uk