SMOKERS who want to kick the habit in the new year are being given a helping hand.

Worcestershire County Council is launching a new service to make the stop smoking drug Champix more widely available.

The medication, which reduces nicotine cravings, has previously only been available on prescription from a GP, but it will now be available from accredited county pharmacies.

Champix is a tablet taken by the smoker daily for two weeks before quitting and then for another 10 weeks after their quit date. For more information about stop smoking services, visit worcestershire.gov.uk or call 01905 363 909.