STAFF at a Huddersfield car dealership are taking an unusual approach to quitting smoking.

Four smokers from Perrys Citroen and Vauxhall on Northgate are using a punchbag to help combat their cravings.

The sales force teamed up to kick the unhealthy habit after the nationwide ban on smoking in public places was introduced on July 1.

Under the new legislation they – and customers – cannot smoke on the site.

Sales executive Neil Lawley, a long-term smoker, said: “For smokers quitting isn’t easy. But with the ban coming into effect there has never been a better time to stop.

“So we thought we would group together and quit. After all, there is strength in numbers.”

The team are using nicotine replacement patches to help with the challenge.

And for times of stress a punchbag has been installed for staff and customers to use when they get the urge to light up.

General manager Stuart Thompson said: “While we’ve always been a no-smoking building the staff who smoke do have regular smoking breaks to light up.

“The punchbag gives members of staff the opportunity for a five-minute time-out from our very busy working environment.

“Of course, for those who are less than happy about the ban, I’ve told them to count their lucky stars that they don’t live in Bhutan – where the sale and use of tobacco is completelyoutlawed!”