STOPTOBER is back - and Wirral smokers are being challenged to ditch cigarettes for 28 days.

Now in its fifth year, Stoptober is an annual national stop smoking campaign which runs throughout October.

Last year 1,422 smokers in the borough signed up to quit - and the campaign is now eager to beat that target.

The free support from Stoptober has increased for 2016 - with an app, email and facebook messenger services helping to prevent those from relapsing.

The drive is backed by Wirral Council whose cabinet member for public health, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: “Stoptober is a great opportunity for smokers across Wirral to quit together alongside friends, family and hundreds of other people in our area.

“There has never been a better time to stop smoking, with lots of help and support available.

“It doesn’t matter how many times you have tried before, call our specialist stop smoking advisers and take on the challenge this year.“

Fiona Johnstone, director of public health, said“Quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health.

"With the help of our local stop smoking advisers and the campaign’s support and motivation, I am sure we will have another successful Stoptober.

“I encourage everyone in Wirral who smokes to take on the Stoptober challenge this year.

"You will start to see the benefits very quickly, not only to your health but also to the money in your pocket. If you stop smoking for 28 days then you are five times more likely to stop for good, improving both your own and your family’s health.

Health group ABL Wirral’s stop smoking service and pharmacies will also provide free face-to-face support during Stoptober.

For more information on ABL call 0151 541 5656 or text ABL to 60777.