A senior doctor at Epsom, St Helier and Sutton Hospitals is urging people to make a new year’s resolution to quit smoking.

Dr Ruth Charlton, the trust’s joint medical director, has highlighted the Quit Kit, available from the NHS Smokefree website as a key tool to kick the habit.

The Quit Kit contains addiction tests, nicotine patches and gum, wall planners and information and support for smokers wanting to quit.

Dr Charlton said: “Making a serious commitment to quit smoking is one of the best single things people can do, not only for their health but for that of the people around them. “Unless you live in complete isolation, you will be affecting the health of others through passive smoking, particularly children.

Evidence suggests that smoking near children is a contributory cause of conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

“It almost goes without saying that the other obvious benefit from quitting is that it’s a good move financially. Over the course of ten years, a person smoking 20 cigarettes a day will see something in the region of £25,000 go up in smoke, quite literally.

There is also a ‘Quit App’ for iPhones, a downloadable ‘Quit Widget’ application for your desktop and a cost calculator which allows smokers to see how much their habit costs.

To order a Quit Kit or to find out more, visit smokefree.nhs.uk or call the free NHS Stop Smoking helpline for on 0800 022 4332.

For information on local stop smoking services visit giveup4good.nhs.uk or surreyquit.net.