Ex-smokers gain a week each month

Smokers who quit could gain an extra seven days of life for every 28 days they abstain from tobacco, according to a government campaign.

People who want to break the habit are being urged to join the “Stoptober challenge”, starting on 1 October, which saw 160,000 people sign up last year.

The campaign, from Public Health England, says someone who quits for the whole of October and does not start again could gain an extra seven days of life every 28 days for the rest of their life.

Smokers can also expect to save more than £150 a month. Last year, the campaign is estimated to have helped smokers to save £25m.