Lancashire County Council and North Lancashire Stop Smoking Service have teamed up with Fleetwood Town
Lancashire County Council and North Lancashire Stop Smoking Service have teamed up with Fleetwood Town Football Club to encourage people to sign up to quit as part of this year's Stoptober campaign.County Councillor Lorraine Beavers, lead member for health, attended Saturday's game against Bristol City along with advisors from the stop smoking service.
Fans were encouraged to find out what help is available to quit, check their carbon monoxide reading and to be referred for stop smoking support.
Run Nationally by Public Health England and supported locally by Lancashire County Council, Stoptober encourages people to quit for good during October.
County Councillor Beavers said: "We're pleased that Fleetwood Town supported Stoptober and let us provide help and support to people who want to kick the habit.
"Research shows you're four times more likely to give up with the help and support of stop smoking experts and that's what Stoptober is all about.
"There's still chance for you to sign up to quit and you can contact the North Lancashire Stop Smoking service for help."
As an ex-smoker, having quit after 40 years earlier this year, Lorraine is particularly keen to encourage people to take up the Stoptober challenge: "Quitting is something I wanted to do for a while.
"I gave up more than six months ago with support from my local smoking cessation clinic and now feel much better. They gave me all the advice and support I needed and this was crucial in helping me to quit successfully.
"I'm not saying it's easy, I still get tempted to have a cigarette, especially if I've had a bad day or when I'm stressed.
"I started smoking when I was 11 and quit when I was 51 – if I can quit after 40 years, anyone who smokes should give it a go."
Matt Hilton, Fleetwood Town Football Club's director of community and education, said: “As a club we are firmly committed to Stoptober.
"We know the idea of giving up smoking can be daunting, but this campaign has proved to be a fantastic platform for people to quit.”
Anyone wanting to quit can call the North Lancashire Stop Smoking Service on 01524 845145.
For more information about Stoptober, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.