A GREATER Manchester anti-smoking group has given its support to the Government's new tobacco legislation.

Greater Manchester Action on Smoking has welcomed publication of the Government's new tobacco Control White Paper.

One of the main thrusts of the document is the help to be provided for people who want to stop smoking.

As part of the package, a week's supply of nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum, will be provided to people on a low income.

At present smoking cessation sessions in Greater Manchester are patchy with specialist services only available in three areas, Manchester, Salford and Old Trafford.

Wigan and Bolton Health Authority's own new service is being launched on February 3.

Abbie Paton, Co-ordinator of Greater Manchester Action on Smoking, said: "We look forward to a time when all smokers in Greater Manchester trying to quit have access to help from their practice nurses, midwives and so on, in addition to a specialist smoking cessation service if they need it."

The latest statistics show 30 per cent of people over the age of 18 living in the Bolton area are smokers.

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