SMOKERS in Oxfordshire have been urged to join this year's Stoptober - the 28-day quitting challenge from Public Health England which starts on October 1 - and join the 15 million who have already quit.

Oxford City Council's physical activity team have joined forces with the Smoking Cessation Team and leisure centres to provide free support sessions at Rose Hill, Barton and Blackbird Leys throughout October.

Each week there will be advice about the best ways to give up and find out what other support is available throughout Stoptober and beyond.

Sessions will be taking place on: • Tuesday 4, 11, 18 and 25 October, 6pm-7pm, Norman Brown Hall 1, Rose Hill Community Centre • Thursday 6, 13, 20 and 27 October, 9.30am-10.30am, Jack Argent Room, Blackbird Leys Community Centre • Friday 7, 14 and 21 October, 12pm-1pm, Main Hall, Barton Neighbourhood Centre.

The drop-in sessions are open to anyone seeking information on the dangers of smoking.

In addition, to help show the impact smoking has on physical health and to demonstrate how quickly the benefits of quitting can be felt, health and fitness testing will also be available from a council fitness expert.

There will also be fun physical activity sessions to help distract from cravings ranging from Tai Chi to Cardio Tennis and Yoga to Dodgeball.

Councillor Linda Smith said: "Stopping smoking can significantly improve people’s lifestyles and health in ways they might not expect.

"According to research, if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good and I hope that Stoptober can be the key to help many people in Oxford start their quitting journey."