AROUND 16 people die every week in Somerset from smoking-related diseases, a survey shows.

Figures from the Local Authority Health Profiles for England claim that 811 people over 35 died last year from conditions such as cancer and heart disease caused by lighting up.

The new research also showed that fewer people over 16 in the county smoke than the national average – 20% compared with 22%.

Laura Ridout, of Somerset’s NHS Stop Smoking Service, said: “While fewer people over 16 are taking up the smoking habit than the national average we still have lots more to do in Somerset.

“The more people who quit smoking the fewer deaths we can expect to see.”

Anyone interested in quitting can contact the free Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service for “friendly, practical and supportive advice”.

NHS Somerset has been working in partnership with Smokefree South-West to cut smoking rates and tobacco-related harm in the region.

Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South-West, said: “We know smoking’s still the biggest preventable killer, and more work needs to be done to raise awareness of the harm caused by tobacco, encourage smokers to quit and reduce the uptake of smoking among children.

“Research has shown smokers using the NHS Stop Smoking Service are giving themselves the best chance to quit, and with many locations across Somerset, such as pharmacies, GP surgeries and workplaces, there’s free help and support near you.”

To contact the NHS Stop Smoking Service text ‘LOCAL’ and your postcode to 88088, call 0303-0339840 or visit www.somerset stopsmoking@somerset.nhs.uk