A free and clinically proven programme to help people quit smoking is being piloted in Oxfordshire.

The drug-free Allen Carr’s Easyway method is being trialled by Oxfordshire County Council as part of their drive to make the county smoke free.

Councillor Dr Nathan Ley, cabinet member for public health, inequalities and community safety, said: "Our smoke free ambitions are a real priority for the council, and this pilot will be complementing our current smoking cessation offer from Stop for Life Oxon.

“If we can achieve our aims, we’ll have helped to improve the health and wellbeing of Oxfordshire residents, while also reducing pressure and costs on social care and the NHS.

"I’d urge smokers living in Oxfordshire, who are interested, to book a slot on the programme and give it a go."

The method usually takes five hours to complete and is delivered through live group seminars, with shorter backup sessions, telephone support and email support provided to those who require them.

The method, a form of cognitive behavioural therapy, is endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as well as the World Health Organisation.

The method has supported around 50 million people to quit smoking over the last 40 years.

Smoking remains the biggest cause of ill-health and death in the UK and increases the risk of developing serious health conditions.