A HEALTH body is calling on the Government to take bold new steps in curbing tobacco marketing. The East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has signed up to the Beyond Smoking Kills report, which was launched by Action on Smoking and Health

A HEALTH body is calling on the Government to take bold new steps in curbing tobacco marketing.

The East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has signed up to the Beyond Smoking Kills report, which was launched by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) this month.

It calls on the Government to adopt new measures to control tobacco marketing as part of its new tobacco control plan, set to be released later this year.

Measures include the introduction this month of graphic warning pictures on cigarette packets sold across the UK.

The pictures, which include images of rotting teeth and lungs, throat cancer, and a "flaccid cigarette", will replace the written warnings currently featured on packs.

Research shows smokers are more likely to remember damage they are doing to their health if they have seen a picture.

In Hertfordshire, smoking accounted for one in every 53 deaths in 2007, and cost the PCTs £12,966,769 in smoking-related illnesses.

Jane Halpin, director of public health in Hertfordshire and spokesman for the East and North Hertfordshire PCT, said: "Smoking causes far more preventable deaths in Hertfordshire than anything else, including knife crime, drugs, and traffic accidents.

"That's why we have joined the campaign for a comprehensive national plan to reduce the harm from tobacco."

Beyond Smoking Kills makes a number of recommendations, including prohibiting the display of tobacco products in shops and clamping down on smuggling.

Anyone who wants to give up smoking should contact the free Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 3998.