ENVIRONMENTAL health officers marked last Wednesday's national No Smoking Day by offering smokers in the Port Arcades a free banana to replace their cigarette.

It was hoped the novel idea, with bananas provided by Asda, would en-courage smokers to consider quitting the killer habit and raise awareness about the benefits of adopting a health-ier lifestyle.

Borough council officers were delighted with the response and the many shoppers who snapped up leaflets about giving up nicotine. The free balloons were also a popular attraction for the children.

Divisional environmental health officer Janet Jackson said: 'It is estimated that 72% of smokers are keen to quit the habit. Smoking is a major cause of ill-health in our area with an estimated 37% of residents describing themselves as smokers, compared to 27% nationally.

'We know how difficult it is to give up smoking, which is why we wanted to do something a little lighthearted to encourage people and make sure they know there is a lot of support.'

Gina Nicholson, who works for the borough's Primary Care Trust, was also available in Boots to hand out advice and give smokers the opportunity to test how much carbon monoxide is in their system by blowing into a machine.

The reading went from zero of a nonsmoker to a maximum of 40 for a heavy smoker.

Gina also organises clinics in surgeries throughout the borough as well as a clinic twice a week at the Links Healthy Living Centre.

She said: 'I see about 120 people a week in Ellesmere Port and Neston. The current success rate of those who quit is about 40 to 50%.

'I have been involved in smoking cessation for more than three years, and hundreds have quit in that time.'

Janet added: 'We are not here to preach but to show people the help that is available. And even if one person gives up smoking, it will have been a success.

'A lot of people told me that they are going to have another go at trying to give up. We also had husbands and wives trying to persuade their other half to give up. And the idea of the balloons was to try and draw the young mums in.

'I also spoke to several people who would like to see smoking banned in the Port Arcades. They say they can smell the smoke. And one person said that the seating segregation of smoking and non-smoking was far too close together.'

One shopper said: 'I used to smoke 60-a-day and decided to give up because of health reasons. I found it surprisingly easy, but you have to want to give up. I now fill the ashtray in the car with extra strong mints.'

Another shopper said: 'I also used to smoke 60-a-day but I gave up because my daughter was getting married and I needed the money saved to pay for the wedding.

'I smoked to relieve the boredom while I was doing my job as a truck driver. But I'm pleased I gave up because the smell gets everywhere - in your hair and in your clothes.

'And my wife gave up because she was told she would lose the use in her legs if she didn't.'