CRAVEN smokers are being urged to stub-out the habit for good.
The plea has been issued by North Yorkshire County Council after new figures showed the extent of the damage caused to the heart by smoking.
Public Health England has revealed that 45 people a day die from cardiovascular disease due to smoking.
County Councillor David Chance, executive member for public health and stronger communities, said: "Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by a quarter and doubles the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
"Whilst the number of people smoking has decreased over the years in North Yorkshire, 13.3 per cent of residents aged over 18 currently smoke and our Growing Up in North Yorkshire survey showed that six per cent of 15-year-old students also regularly smoke.
"Quitting has been identified as the single best thing a smoker can do to protect their heart."
The county council and partner organisations are using the introduction this year of plain cig packets in the UK to promote the 'stub it out' message.
South Craven residents, including young people aged 12-plus, can access a range of free support at smokefreelifenorthyorkshire.co.uk.
They can also call 0800 2465215 or 01609 663023, or text QUIT to 66777.
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