Teens targeted to quit smoking

Youngsters in Stevenage have pledged to stop smoking as part of the NHS Smokefree United campaign.

They were visited by advisors from Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service at their training session at Stevenage Borough Football Club, and were told about the effects smoking can have on their health, and their future.

Adam Crow is the business manager at Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service:

"Hertfordshire has a high prevelance of young people that are smoking. We are just trying to be pro-active in the service, really trying to reach young people and just trying to address that - just to let them know that we are here to help everybody quit, not just middle-aged people but all types of age groups are services are open to."

The Smokefree United campagin has been launched to encourage football fans to give up by joining forces with other quitters online. Those who sign up get motivational emails from footbnall elgends Ian Wright, Gianfranco Zola, asnd John barnes, and can enter competitions to win top prizes.

2,400 people in Hertfordshire have quit smoking to date by using support and advice from Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service and the team there are keen to get more Stevenage Borough supporters to join.

Arron Evander - Collins in 18 years old and wants to eventually become a professional footballer. He's cut smoking 20 cigerattes a day to 10 and told Heart it's a hard thing to do:

"I've got people helping me out, my girlfriend helps me out aswel. It's getting easier everyday but it can be hard depending on what my levels are. Sometimes if I get depressed I want to smoke more, but I've got a bit more willpower to do it, so I can do it if I can."

If you want to stop smoking, but are not sure on the best ways to quit, you can speak to an advisor from Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 3998