A SECURITY guard will be chasing criminals faster than ever after stubbing out her 15-a-day habit for No Smoking Day today.

Sally Duckworth, 35, of Vancouver Crescent, Blackburn, gave up smoking after seeing the big day advertised in Blackburn's shopping precinct, where she works.

Now the mum-of-two, who smoked for 19 years, says she feels healthier than ever, and is urging more smokers to kick the habit for No Smoking Day.

She said: "I used to get out of breath when I ran, which isn't great in my job.

"Now I feel much healthier and I could chase a criminal easily. I wanted to give up for health reasons and because of my age, so I picked up information from the No Smoking Day stand.

"I have cravings, especially when I'm out and people ask if I want a cigarette.

"But I just keep chewing the gum and thinking about all the money I'm saving by not spending that £4 a day. I was able to give my daughter a really good 18th birthday with all the money I'd saved."

Sally quit with help from Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust's smoking cessation co-ordinator Jan Holding, who has at least two one-to-one sessions with smokers who ask for her help. Sally said: "I went for an appointment to get some advice and I did a carbon monoxide test. The results were frightening -- I was off the scale. Now I have the same level as a non-smoker."

Services are available throughout East Lancashire to help people quit smoking this week, as around a million people in the UK are planning to stop. Mrs Holding will be in Blackburn shopping precinct today giving out information on the day and will make appointments with anyone wanting to quit to discuss staying off cigarettes for good.

Support groups providing backup for people to resist the cravings are available in Darwen and Accrington, with a new group expected to start in Clitheroe next month.

As well as moral support, smoking cessation teams can provide vouchers towards the cost of nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and chewing gum.

Mrs Holding said: "We want to give people advice on the health risks of smoking but also to let them know that there is support available if they decide to stop. Sally did really well and her story should inspire others."

Contact the East Lancashire smoking cessation co-ordinator on 01254 294271.