LUNG disease is now the UK's biggest killer -- it touches the lives of thousands of people in the Bolton and Bury area. And smoking is the major cause.

Every year, 120,000 people die in the UK as a result of smoking related diseases, according to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).

Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have recently quit smoking with festive get-togethers in pubs and clubs difficult to avoid.

A spokesperson for Fresh Focus from the Smoking Cessation Services in Bolton, run by Community Healthcare Bolton NHS Trust said: "Christmas and New Year are traditional times for enjoying a cigarette and a drink.

"For those who put the two together it might be better, in a bid to reduce temptation of smoking, not to have either."

And as anyone who has ever tried to give up a long-running habit knows, when temptation strikes it is hard to hold back. Christmas parties tend to involve generous amounts of alcohol which means individual guards are likely to slip, making ex-smokers far more likely to indulge.

THE office party is also likely to be stressful - socialising with bosses is not the easiest way of spending your free time and without that little smoking crutch to get you through those awkward moments, a difficult evening can be on the cards.

Yet there is help at hand. Amanda Sandford, research manager at anti-smoking lobby group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), believes ex-smokers can avoid slipping back into old habits, even if they are surrounded by people lighting up.

"The main thing is for people to be aware that the temptation is lurking," she says. "This should allow them to prepare themselves mentally for the event."

Nigel Isherwood, a hypnotherapist based at Abbey Centre on Bolton's Bridge Street says: "There are a couple of things people can do to make 'saying no' easier for them but hypnotherapy is perfect for that 'quick fix' result.

"Especially with the Christmas party season looming, the temptation to smoke will be that much stronger.

"Hypnotherapy is the perfect combat for that."

Ex-smokers should run through the situation in their minds. Imagine the start of the night - perhaps standing around chatting to friends or colleagues. In the old days they might have had a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other - instead they should imagine themselves with just the glass of wine.

Preparing for the night ahead is vital for success, Sandford says. It helps to build up willpower which is the key to stopping smoking for good -- smokers have to want to give up in order to succeed.

Stocking up on nicotine replacement products is a good idea. "This lessens the chance that ex-smokers will be tempted," she says.

"No nicotine pangs should be felt if the replacement therapy is being used correctly."

Nicorette has a range of products to help satisfy niggling nicotine cravings. These include chewing gum, inhalators, patches and nasal spray which are available in different strengths from chemists.

"You can use more than one form of nicotine replacement therapy," Sandford says. "If someone was using patches they could use gum as well," she adds. Rather than placing a cigarette in the mouth and polluting the lungs, gum can be chewed to keep the cravings at bay.

A spokesman for Boots the Chemist in Bolton says: "We are approaching the traditional period for quitting smoking and sales of related products rise over the next few months, peaking at the start of the new year."

It is a good idea for those determined to remain smoke-free to tell friends and colleagues, Sandford says. "Provided people tell everyone that they've given up it will help to strengthen their resolve," she says. "Previous smoking buddies are unlikely to offer their friend a crafty cigarette if they are aware that they have given up."

It is important to get support. Friends and colleagues can actually help, she says. "This help can be anything from kind words of reassurance through to providing a shoulder to cry on during desperate times."

"A smoky party full of temptations could well be classed as one of these desperate times.

"It might also be a good idea for ex-smokers to remind themselves of the statistics which may have contributed to their decision to quit."

GLYN McIntosh of Quit, a charity which helps smokers to kick the habit, (freephone Quitline 0800 002200), suggests ex-smokers follow this six point guide before hitting any party:

Remind yourself before you go out why you have quit - money, health, kids, whatever the reason.

Watch how much you drink. Too much and your resolve will disappear. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a soft drink.

Don't have the drink you usually associate with cigarettes - try a different one. Similarly, try visiting a new pub or bar instead of one you used to frequent in your smoking days.

Think of a treat you will have the following day if you resist having a cigarette at the party. And remind yourself of this during the party.

Ask non-smoking friends to support you if you get offered a cigarette.

Ring 24-hour Quitline for advice before you go out. Call 0800 002200.