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He said since December 2006 more than 2800 smokers had set a quit date, more than three times as many as the same period last year. ... More smokers in Northern Ireland than ever are ditching cigarettes, the government has said.

With new tobacco laws coming in on 30 April, businesses in Hillsborough, County Down, are going smoke-free on Wednesday, designated No Smoking Day.

Health Minister Paul Goggins said pharmacy-based smoking cessation services had reported a surge.

He said since December 2006, over 2,800 smokers had set a quit date, three times as the same period last year.

Speaking on No Smoking Day, he said: "As an ex-smoker myself, I understand giving up can be difficult."

"Providing the right level of support is invaluable.

"The local pharmacy-based cessation services throughout Northern Ireland are doing a fantastic job in encouraging and supporting people in their endeavours to quit."

Programme of advice

There are now almost 300 pharmacies across Northern Ireland providing advice and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to smokers wanting to quit.

The service offers smokers a 12-week programme of advice and support with free NRT available for those who do not pay for their prescriptions.

Mr Goggins said he hoped the rise was in anticipation of the smoke-free workplace legislation coming into force in April.

"Although the purpose of the legislation is to protect the public from the damaging effects of second-hand smoke, it also seems to have provided some smokers with the extra incentive that they needed to seek help to quit," he said.

Smokers who want more information about their local community pharmacy cessation service or other services and advice on stopping smoking can contact the Northern Ireland Smokers' Helpline on 0800 858585.