Smokers in Hackney are being encouraged to give up for New Year.

Smoking-related illnesses remain one of the biggest killers in the borough, and the council is reassuring those who are addicted that support is available to those who want to quit.

An estimated 200 people dying prematurely every year in Hackney from a smoking related disease and it is believed 1500 people are also admitted to hospital with smoking attributed issues.

Smoking doubles both the risk of having a heart attack and the risk of having a stroke.

Statistics from the council show a quarter of over 18s in Hackney smoke, and the habit is also prevalent amongst teenagers with 18 percent of 16 to 17 year olds and 28 per cent of 18 to 19 year olds in Hackney smoking.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for health, said: “Smoking related illnesses remain some of the biggest killers in Hackney but it’s never too late for smokers to give up.

“Hackney’s Health and Wellbeing Board has made smoking one of its priorities and we want to make it easier to quit as well making it less likely that young people will start smoking in the first place.”

Residents who want help to give up smoking can visit a local pharmacist or GP surgery for information and advice on quitting and clinics run daily.

For more information call 0800 169 1943 or email smokers-clinic@qmul.ac.uk or www.smokefreecityandhackney.nhs.uk.