Following a successful trial, places on a free clinically-proven intervention to help people quit smoking will be returning to Westmorland and Furness.

The "miracle" stop smoking treatment, Allen Carr’s Easyway (ACE), proved highly effective in helping residents of Barrow, an area with the highest number of smokers at 21 per cent, kick the habit.

The programme, endorsed by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, is a drug-free way to stop smoking.

Over 50 per cent of the group was no longer smoking after four weeks during last year's trial.

ACE programme includes online seminars or videos lasting for five to six hours, shorter backup sessions, telephone and email support.

It can be accessed easily via smartphones, tablets, or laptops, making it convenient for everyone.

Studies have shown that ACE can help one in two smokers quit long-term and has already assisted 50 million people to stop smoking in the last 40 years.

The Westmorland Gazette: The programme, endorsed by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, is a drug-free

One participant on last year's course said: "Four weeks in, I'm not smoking [after] over 50 years smoking!

"I think the Allen Carr method is virtually miraculous, there's no chance of me smoking again."

The scheme supports the council’s ambition for a "smoke-free" Westmorland and Furness by 2030.

Cllr Patricia Bell, cabinet member for adults, health and care, said: "We were really pleased to see the success of the pilot scheme that ran last year.

"There were some brilliant results for residents which is why are delighted to support this scheme again to help people stop smoking for good."

She also stressed the council priority to make Westmorland and Furness 'smoke free by 2030' by offering innovative smoking cessation support like Allen Carr’s Easyway.

A limited number of places are available for the ACE programme and are expected to fill up rapidly.

For those unable to enrol, smoking cessation support is offered through local pharmacies.

Bookings for the ACE course are accepted through the Allen Carr Easyway website via www.allencarr.com/location/westmorland-and-furness-council/#seminars.