SMOKERS in Huddersfield are set to join five million addicts across Britain today who will be trying to kick the habit for National No Smoking Day.

And a fifth of all smokers in Yorkshire say they will quit for good - with two thirds of addicts in Huddersfield looking to give up.

The overwhelming response comes following the Government's ban on smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and clubs.

Before the legislation was approved on February 14, the Government predicted the ban would lead to 600,000 people across the country permanently quitting.

The figure is now closer to 2.8 million. Of smokers questioned in Yorkshire, 20% have said they will stop smoking for sure, and 43% said the ban would try to make them quit.

The NHS is working to provide support to the millions preparing to quit in the next few months.

Huddersfield service manager for the Stop Smoking Campaign Lorraine Bradbury said:

"More people than ever are trying to quit smoking, and we have been inundated with calls from people seeking advice.

"The recent ban on smoking combined with media campaigns has opened a lot of people's eyes to the harmful effect of cigarette smoke and the benefits of quitting."

For further help on quitting contact Huddersfield Smoking Advice Service on 0800 183 2056.

TOBACCO can cause cancer, heart attacks and strokes. But smokers have yet another reason to quit on No Smoking Day.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a chilling warning to all addicts.

Cigarette fires, they say, cause the greatest number of accidental deaths in the home.

In 2004, smoking caused 114 deaths and 1,300 non-fatal casualties in 3,500 fires started in homes across West Yorkshire.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: "We encourage all smokers to give up. Smoking not only puts your health at risk, but can also put you and your family under major threat of a house fire."

For people who are not ready to quit, the service offers the following advice to help prevent fires:

* Never smoke in bed

* Never leave cigarettes unattended

* Always use a proper ashtray and make sure it can't be knocked over

* Take special care if tired or after drinking

* Keep matches and lighters away from children

To book a free home fire safety check call 0800 587 4536.

THE threat of a total smoking ban is already spurring growing numbers of smokers to seek help in quitting the habit, a survey found today.

Just three weeks ago, MPs voted to make lighting up illegal in all of England's pubs, clubs, restaurants and workplaces from summer next year.

A full ban will come into force in Scotland at the end of the month, and Northern Ireland is set to follow next year.

Wales has also signalled an intention to implement a blanket ban under powers to be given to the Welsh Assembly by the Health Bill.

The survey found that many GPs had noticed a rise in the number of people asking help in giving up.

Prof Alex Markham, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said:

"This first indication that the ban is helping people quit is exciting. The experiences of countries that have already gone smoke-free show that bans help many smokers quit."

TOWN fans say they welcome plans to ban smoking in the Galpharm Stadium.

Huddersfield Town supporters at Saturday's game were asked to give their views on moves to give the red card to match-time smoking ahead of No Smoking Day today.

Huddersfield Primary Care Trust volunteers asked fans to fill out questionnaires, and the results are being awaited with much anticipation by the health service providers.

Club secretary Ann Hough sits on a Football League committee examining smoking.

She wanted to bring the club into line with many other teams in the country that have banned fans lighting up during games.

Service manager for the Stop Smoking Campaign, Lorraine Bradbury, said: "We had a really positive response from both smoking and non-smoking fans.

"One smoker I approached with a cigarette in his hand even said he would fully support a ban.

"There is a greater awareness now on the dangers of second-hand smoke, especially with the New Government Bill coming into force, and I think the fans' response is a sign of the times.

"I think that we will see an increasing trend of local teams enforcing bans."

The Huddersfield Giants, who share the Galpharm Stadium, are looking into a similar scheme.