SMOKERS trying to kick the habit will be able to get help at free weekly sessions.

NHS North Staffordshire is launching the new meetings in Leek next week.

No appointment is necessary and smokers can call in for an informal chat with a trained adviser about what support is available to help them quit.

The sessions come as The Sentinel continues its year-long campaign to get 4,010 people in Stoke-on-Trent to pledge to give up smoking.

It wants to mark 2010 by encouraging an extra 2,010 people to pledge to give up.

The latest NHS sessions will be held at Leek Health Centre, Fountain Street every Tuesday, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Tony Bullock, from the Stop Smoking Service, said an estimated 22 per cent of adults in North Staffordshire smoke.

And he added: "With the help of the NHS North Staffordshire Stop Smoking Service, smokers are up to four times more likely to quit than if they go it alone."

Stop smoking services are available at every GP practice and most pharmacies in North Staffordshire.

To join The Sentinel campaign, write to: Pack It In! Newsdesk, The Sentinel, Sentinel House, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5SS, giving your name, address, phone number, how many cigarettes you smoke each day and why you want to quit.