THREE years after kicking the habit, former 20-a-day smoker Helen Miah says taking part in Stoptober was the best thing she ever did.

The mum-of-three decided to take on the annual quitting challenge run by NHS Smokefree in 2012 after her son spotted the advertising campaigns and said she should give it a go.

Since quitting cold turkey Helen has taken up cycling, and even ran a half marathon this summer.

"I would definitely recommend Stoptober, it's the best thing I ever did," said the 49-year-old from Old Town, who gave up smoking after a 30-year addiction.

"Rather than just replace smoking with something else I read a lot about addiction, and what makes an addictive personality, and that's why I went cold turkey.

"Much of what it is about habit, and trying to change those habits.

"As time goes on you're ore inclined to think 'oh I could just have one, couldn't I?' but each time I just tell myself not to."

After quitting, the Swindon Borough Council commissioner for arts and culture was able to take up cycling, and has since grown fitter and stronger.

"I feel great," she said. "I can honestly say quitting changed my life.

"It was difficult. The first few days I went to bed at about 7pm every night just because I thought if I went to bed then another day will be over.

"The best thing about Stoptober was joining the Facebook group.

"Any time I had a craving I would go online and post something and within seconds there would be other people also taking part in Stoptober saying 'don't give up, you're doing so well,' and that sort of thing, offering moral support and reminding me I wasn't alone."

Since 17.3 per cent of people in the south west are smokers, Public Health England (PHE) is urging people to sign up to this year's campaign, which starts on October 1.

Smokers are five times more likely to quit for good if they stop the habit for 28 consecutive days, and Stoptober also offers opportunities for quitters to get peer support as well as many free resources from the campaign organisers, including daily motivational messages and tips and advice.

Research also showed 67 per cent of people are more likely to quit if their partner also stops smoking and 36 per cent if a friend stops.

Cherry Jones, chairman of the Smokefree South West Group said: "Stoptober is a fantastic opportunity to join with your friends, family and work colleagues to start enjoying the benefits of being smokefree. We encourage all smokers to take up the challenge and take advantage of the huge range of free local support available to stop smoking.”

This year Stoptober will also be providing quitters with a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians, including Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi.

To sign up or for more information, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober.