ANTI-SMOKING workers are to launch quit schemes in workplaces after applying for a £17,000 grant.

The Smoking Cessation Clinic, based at Accrington Victoria Hospital, will take on new staff to help educate employees as well as offering support and help.

The unit, run by East Lancashire Health Authority, covers the Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area.

The money, from the Department of Health, will allow a major expansion of small workplace schemes which have been successful in the past.

Throughout East Lancashire, 40 to 42 per cent of the population smoke -- the highest figure in the country.

Smoking cessation and prevention co-ordinator Tessa Ellis said: "Smoking is the largest preventable killer in the country, accounting for one in five such deaths.

"In this area we have a fairly hefty amount of ethnic minorities who smoke and that brings up the average figure but there is now a national campaign to help target the Asian communities.

"Previous campaigns had not been aimed at the Asian communities but people in those areas are more at risk from cancer because they use more chewing tobacco which can cause mouth cancer.

"There is also the issue of the poverty trap in Hyndburn and there is a high number of manual workers who are on low pay.

"A lot of these people smoke because it blanks out the reality of their lives and they are not eating or exercising properly either."

In addition to this another smoking cessation base is to be set up in Rishton Clinic, High Street, for those who already want to stop smoking.

Specialist staff will attend the sessions which begin on November 15 between 1.30pm and 4.30pm to advise patients on the most suitable method of cessation for them and to offer continual support.

These will be held once a fortnight. For further information call 01254 294727.