EAST Lancashire smokers have been encouraged to sign up to this years ‘Stoptober’ and take up the 28-day quitting challenge.

Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Quit Squad are leading the campaign in the region for people to swap their fags for gags and stop smoking.

This year’s campaign enlists the support of top British comedians, including Paddy McGuinness, Al Murray and Andi Osho, who will bring a touch of the British sense of humour to help quitters through this difficult and daunting challenge.

Julie Trezise, quit Squad manager for the trust, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of preventable death in the country and Stoptober provides a great opportunity for people to get together and take up the challenge.

“Evidence shows that if a smoker can go 28 days without a cigarette, they are five times more likely to stay permanently smokefree.”

Last year, more than 4,000 people signed up to take part in Lancashire. The challenge starts on Tuesday, October 1.

For more information call 0800 328 6297 or 01254 283370.