A GROUP of bus drivers from Heckmondwike have won the "stub it out" stakes!
They are the first workplace success for the North Kirklees Stop Smoking Service.
The group of drivers from the Arriva bus company decided back in October that the time had come to quit the habit.
It came after they received a letter from their human resources team advertising a new group to help workers give up being offered by the North Kirklees Stop Smoking Service.
The five local men have clocked up more than 150 years of smoking between them and felt that working as a team was the best way to give up.
Colin Mallinson, a driver and schools liaison officer, said: "Doing it in the group has meant we have all been able to help each other.
"The support is great and it means there is always someone to talk to about how it is going.
"Now I don't cough on a morning and can run up and down stairs and also enjoy the luxury of over £100 that I have put to one side that would previously have gone up in smoke".
The other drivers - Stephen Watson, Allan Shaw, Andrew Burton and Ian Douglas - have also benefited.
They all have more energy, are not wheezing as much and are able to taste their food more.
Allan said: "The service has been brilliant, I would recommend it to anyone.
"My granddaughter has told me that I have made one of her wishes come true now I don't smoke".
Ian Douglas, a driver from Bradford had tried to quit before and thought trying to do it alongside colleagues was a different approach and decided to give it a go.
"We all encourage each other and nobody wanted to be the first to give in.
"I have struggled with the cravings, but after all my hard work I am determined not to give in."
Health chiefs claim stopping smoking is the most important thing you can do to improve your health and that of those around you.
The stop smoking service gives confidential, expert advice to support people. through this process.
Contact the North Kirklees Stop Smoking Service on 01924 512079.
