Haringey residents were encouraged to stub out their cigarettes as part of National No Smoking Day

Give up smoking and live longer – that was the message from Haringey and Enfield’s Smoke Free partnership as they spent the day on Wood Green High Street yesterday.

Council officials set up camp outside Wood Green Library, offering carbon-monoxide tests to passers-by and answering questions from anyone interested in quitting smoking.

While about a quarter of people in Haringey smoke, the Stop Smoking service has helped more than 15,000 borough residents quit over the past four years through a free six-week programme.

Wood Green shop-keeper David Versthoor once smoked 40-60 cigarettes a day, but has been smoke free since using the service seven years ago.

He said: “I decided that for my health and for the health of my family I’d look into quitting. Sometimes I can’t believe that it’s been seven years and I’m still a non-smoker.

“Anyone worried about their smoking can get help, just like I did. It’s worth making that call or looking on the website and committing to a quit date. I’m proof that anyone can do it.”

One-to-one sessions are available from GP surgeries, pharmacies and community clinics at more than 80 sites across Haringey

Haringey’s director of public health Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said: “Dave’s story is inspirational. We want people to know that they can achieve the same milestone and give up – permanently.

“National non smoking week is a great time to scrap the ash and start thinking about becoming Smokefree.

“People can retrieve a healthy bank-balance as well as a healthier body and healthier family if they take the step of giving up. Quitting is also positive for our children and anyone else who might be affected by second hand smoke - another reason why I am right behind the Stop Free team taking to the streets to help people give up and to promote our free local stop smoking services.”