SMOKERS across the South West will receive messages of support from the nation’s leading comedians when they sign up to Stoptober this year.

People who spoke are being urged to sign up to the 28-day campaign next month with friends and family to boost chances of quitting.

Public Health England is encouraging smokers to get involved with the campaign which this year, will provide quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians, including Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi.

Messages of support and encouragement will be sent straight to quitters’ phones and emails throughout October.

Residents who take part should also sign up with their friends, family and colleagues as evidence reveals that ‘social quitting’ can dramatically improve people’s chances of stopping altogether.

Professor Debra Lapthorne, centre director for Public Health England South West, said this year’s Stoptober will provide people more engaging and personalised support than ever.

“Along with receiving proven advice and support, participants this year will get encouragement every day from some of the best comedians in the country to help them reach 28 days smokefree,” she said.

“The benefits of stopping smoking are almost immediate: quitters will soon see reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation.

"It is one of the best things a person can do to improve their health and reduce their chances of developing long-term conditions and dying prematurely. Sign up today and get ready to start your quitting journey with our support on October 1.”

Research reveals that smokers are sixty-seven percent more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking, and a third more likely to quit when a close friend or someone they work with stops.

Cherry Jones, chair of the Smokefree South West Group, said: “Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity to join with your friends, family and work colleagues to start enjoying the benefits of being smokefree.

“We encourage all smokers to take up the challenge and take advantage of the huge range of free local support available to stop smoking.”

Over a quarter of a million people across the country signed up to Stoptober last year with more than half making it to 28 days.

To sign up to Stoptober visit smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.