SMOKERS can drop in to a new hub in the Hardshaw Centre to access help and advice on quitting.

It is hoped that the hub's central location in town will encourage passers-by to call in.

Andrew Burnell, chief executive of City Health Care Partnership CIC, which was commissioned by St Helens Council to provide the service, said: "I think it's brilliant that we can provide this brand new hub; it will really help us reach out to the public of St Helens and help support them in quitting smoking.

"We're always looking for innovative ways to improve our service and reach out to the public. We've also launched QuitPal, an app that allows you to access stop smoking support on your phone, wherever and whenever you need it."

Cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, Councillor Jeanie Bell, said: "It's great now that we have the Smokefree St Helens Service in the heart of the town, providing a central access point for stop smoking support."

Sue Hewitt, 57, a 'quit hero' from Thatto Heath, who accessed the service before it moved to its new location, said: "I came to Smokefree St Helens because smoking was making me ill.

"But I've been smoke-free for two years now and it's all down to the support I got from the team.

"I'm still in touch with them for regular support, but I'm feeling much healthier these days, and I'd recommend anyone thinking of quitting to come to the hub and see what they can achieve."

Smokefree St Helens Hub will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm; Tuesdays from 9am to 12pm and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

For information, call 01744 586247, text QUIT to 61825 or go to readytostopsmoking.co.uk.