TENS of thousands of smokers in Bury and the North West have kicked the habit for good since the coronavirus outbreak hit.

More than 102,000 people in the region have quit smoking since the start of the pandemic, according to new analysis by smoke cessation charity, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), and University College London.

Moreover, a further 64,000 North West smokers have also taken the decision to try and quit during this period.

It comes after health experts around the globe warned that smokers who are hospitalised with Covid-19 are more likely to suffer severe outcomes than non-smokers.

Among the quitters in Bury is 28-year-old 'Laura', who was told she needed to kick the addiction by her dentist, after she began experiencing pain caused by smoking.

Laura said: “I went to the dentist with just some normal pain.

"She said to me this is a turning point, if you don’t stop now the damage you're doing to your teeth will be irreversible.

"It makes you think if this is how my teeth are being affected how do my lungs look inside."

Coronavirus then gave Laura further motivation to give up cigarettes, as she became aware that the virus was affecting young people ­— and smokers in particular.

She added: “The pandemic has definitely motivated me as you started to hear more about young people passing away from coronavirus.

"I got in touch with the Bury Lifestyle Service who have been amazing.

"I want to tell people to always reach out for support, there’s no shame in it.

"Giving up smoking on your own is so hard it’s really important to speak to people who have the knowledge to be able to help you.”

To help and encourage more people to quit smoking a new campaign is set to be launched in the coming days.

The Today is The Day campaign features a plea to smokers, from respiratory consultant Dr Ruth Sharrock, to quit today to protect their health.

It will also direct smokers to effective forms of support to quit on the NHS Smokefree website.

Dr Andrew Furber, PHE Regional Director and NHS Director of Public Health North West said: “Smoking is responsible for over 12,400 deaths a year in the North West, so I’m pleased to be supporting the Today is the Day campaign encouraging all smokers in our region to try to quit.

"Quitting smoking now will bring immediate benefits to your health, reducing the risk of heart and lung problems for you and those around you. That’s good news for smokers and good news for our NHS.”

For more information on how to quit visit nhs.uk/smokefree