Smokers in Cumbria who want to quit are being reminded about the start of 'Stoptober'.
The 28-day mass quit attempt starts today.
The county council says almost 1 in 5 of Cumbria's residents are smokers, and treatment for smoking related illnesses costs the county's NHS Trusts around £19.9m every year.
£2m of that is spent on treating the effects of passive smoking in non-smokers.
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: "It's vital for us to encourage as many people as possible in Cumbria to quit. The short and long term benefits cannot be underestimated.
"If people sign up on 1 October and manage to stay smoke free for 28 days, they are five times more likely to stop smoking for good.
"This year, Stoptober coincides with new laws to protect children from second-hand smoke in cars. The message is that with one less place to smoke, there’s one more reason to quit."
Cllr Ian Stewart, the county council’s Cabinet member for Public Health, said: “We hope as many smokers as possible will take this crucial step towards boosting their health, by signing up for the Stoptober campaign.
"Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature death in Cumbria each year, and I’d urge smokers across the county to sign up and achieve something special for you and your loved ones.
"Well done to everyone who is taking part in Stoptober this year, live long and prosper."
To access local stop smoking services call Cumbia’s Stop Smoking helpline on 03000 13 3000 or visit your local pharmacist.
To sign up to Stoptober, click here.