BOLTON smokers are among the worst quitters in the country, new figures have revealed.

The town is the fifth worst area in England for people not following through with an NHS Stop Smoking Service programme, with more than half giving up on their plan.

Figures released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre show that of 600 people who set a ‘quit date’ with a GP, pharmacy or hospital between April and June, more than 300 were categorised as "lost to follow-up" or "outcome unknown".

The "lost smokers" included five pregnant women — after 14 signed up to the service over three months.

Bolton was the worst in Greater Manchester in terms of "lost smokers" — failing to track the progress of 56 per cent of participants.

Manchester City Council was the closest to Bolton with 38 per cent.

During the three-month period over which the figures were recorded, 254 Bolton people successfully quit, while 97 smokers failed to kick the habit.

Bolton Council received £260,000 to run the smoking cessation service for the year, spending an average of £85 per quitter.

It is funded by the public health budget, and delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in Crompton Health Centre.

Drop-in sessions in community centres are also run across the borough.

Cllr Mudasir Dean, the opposition spokesman for public health on Bolton Council, said: “These figures are disappointing as the cost of smoking related illnesses to local services is extortionate.

“The town’s partner agencies and employers must work closer together to ensure we achieve better results in the future.

“It’s essential that services follow up client outcomes to capture a true picture of the situation.”

A council spokesman said the figures related to all of the smoking cessation services offered in the borough, not just the ones commissioned by the council.

The council said only one in five smokers were lost in its system.

He said: "Smoking is a major factor in the long term health of the people of Bolton and encouraging people to stop smoking is a priority for us.

“We work closely with our partners at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to deliver a Stop Smoking Service, which offers free, practical advice and support to help people who want to quit.

"Services are also available in pharmacies and GP surgeries.

"The figures relate to the total number of people accessing all types of smoking cessation services in Bolton and are not a true reflection of the successes of the Stop Smoking Service.

“Of around 600 people accessing services and setting a quit date, around 19 per cent of those who were treated by the core service are registered as not known or lost to follow up.

"This may mean that they have commenced smoking cessation support but for whatever reason have stopped attending.

“The service will write to those who don't return and they are always welcome to come back and resume support.

"We acknowledge that it is difficult to give up smoking and often things can get in the way of someone's success.

"But it is proven that people are more likely to give up with the right help, support and medication than going it alone.”

Anyone who is thinking of stopping smoking is asked to contact 01204 462345 or email stopsmoking@boltonft.nhs.uk