Leicestershire has topped the table for the lowest rate of smoking in adults across the East Midlands.

As smokers across the county are being encouraged to stop smoking for Stoptober, new figures show that just 9.4 per cent of the county now smoke, compared with 11.2 per cent in 2021.

The County Council's Quit Ready service has helped over 11,000 people to quit smoking for good since 2017 and is on hand to offer support for anyone ready to stop smoking through tailored programmes.

Quit Ready advisors deliver a free and confidential 12-week programme to help residents become and stay smoke free.

With this year's Stoptober theme that good things happen when you quit smoking, Quit Ready are highlighting the benefits of quitting, including improved sense of taste and smell after just 48 hours.

National data from the NHS also highlights the top benefits smokers saw within two weeks of quitting, including having more energy (45 per cent), feeling healthier (42 per cent) and breathing better (42 per cent).

Smokers are shown to be three times more likely to stop smoking if they have support from an advisor, and help from a Quit Ready advisor, along with the use of e-cigarettes and vapes can help reach the important 28-day milestone when you're five times more likely to quit for good.

Cllr Louise Richardson, lead member for Health at Leicestershire County Council, said: "Smoking is still a huge factor in preventable illnesses and death in England. The new figures show we're the best area in the East Midlands for adult smoking, but there's still work to do.

"The huge reduction in smokers over the last few years shows it can be done, so we're urging anyone thinking of quitting to choose Stoptober to begin your journey.

"Our fantastic and free Quit Ready service has helped thousands of people and is here to help residents of Leicestershire kick the habit with professional support and guidance."

To get in touch with Quit Ready Leicestershire, call 0345 646 66 66, text 'ready' to 66777 or click HERE.