SMOKERS will be offered free passes to a Huddersfield fitness centre as an incentive to quit smoking.
Huddersfield NHS Smoking Advice Service has teamed up with Total Fitness, Wakefield Road, Waterloo, to offer free three-day passes as a reward for smokers who have managed to lay off cigarettes for four weeks.
A free, seven-week course is being set up at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to help people give up.
It begins next Tuesday at 7pm.
It will be run by Helena Mazurek, a specialist in helping smokers quit.
Everyone who quits will be offered the passes, as well as free stress balls.
Patricia Hodgson, manager of Huddersfield Smoking Advice Service, said the health centre passes were being offered because regular exercise made it easier to stop smoking.
"It reduces withdrawal symptoms, helps the body recover from the damaging effects of smoking and aids in weight control.
"And it helps people feel better about themselves," she said.
Everyone taking up the offer will be given a free health check by one of the health club's fitness instructors.
The passes may be exchanged for swimming, use of the gym or for aerobics or yoga classes.
Partners of smokers will also be offered passes.
Dr Neil Fell, of Total Fitness, said: "The initiative will have a positive impact on the lifestyles of ex-smokers and families.
"Smoking is the single main cause of preventable death in Huddersfield. Half of all people die of a smoking-related disease."
Apart from the free health and relaxation passes, quitters are eligible for discount rates for the first year of membership.
This will allow them to take advantage of all the health and relaxation services at the health club.
* To join the course ring the freephone 0800 183 2056.
