A county-wide drive to encourage people to quit smoking has got underway in the hope that more people than ever will be motivated to kick the habit, prior to the ban arriving later this year.

This summer, smoking will be outlawed in all enclosed public places across the UK.

To help people quit, courses to help individuals and groups have been organised in towns across Devon, including Kingsbridge.

Course organiser, Lynne Palmer from Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: "We're hoping that the new law making enclosed public places smoke free from July, will motivate people to quit before they’re banned from smoking in their local pub, for example."

From 1 July, new legislation will ban smoking in enclosed public places, including pubs, bars, shopping centres and other places of work.

The aim is to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke for non-smokers and smokers alike.

Mrs Palmer added: "The new law means it should be easier for smokers who have tried to quit in the past but found it difficult when out with friends in restaurants and pubs."

Inhaling smoke from other people’s cigarettes increases the risk of smoking-related illness, including cancer and heart attacks.

Research shows that people are four times more likely to succeed in giving up smoking if they are helped by the NHS.

Anyone interested in quitting smoking who would like help from the trust's stop smoking team, should ring 0845 111 1142.