A SWINDON vaping shop has become one of the first in the country to join Trading Standards’ list of approved suppliers.

Go Vape, based on Havelock Street, is the second vaping business in the UK to be accepted onto the Buy with Confidence register and the first with a shop that customers can visit, rather than just negotiate with their computer mouse.

Owner Jason Knowles said: “I was pretty chuffed when they said we were one of the first in the country. It means we’re now recognised, that people can buy with confidence from us.”

The accolade is another sign of vaping’s growing popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. The "smoke" inhaled by vape users is water vapour, heated electronically and to which has been added nicotine and flavourings.

Earlier this year, Public Health England came out in support of electronic cigarettes and vapes as a method of reducing the number of smokers in the country.

Their report said e-cigarettes were responsible for contributing to 20,000 people quitting tobacco every year. Vaping was 95 per cent less harmful than smoking, PHE’s Prof John Newton said.

Go Vape’s Jason is evangelical about the power of vaping to help heavy smokers quit.

Tracy, his wife of 30 years, was a 40-a-day smoker five years ago: “We tried everything to get her off the cigarettes. Nothing worked until we found the e-cigarettes.

"Five years ago we came across e-cigarettes and it was the best thing that ever happened to us. Tracy tried one and couldn't believe it. She hasn't smoked a cigarette since.

"Now, I want to help other people stop smoking.”

Despite public concerns about the safety of vaping devices, much of the scientific evidence indicates these fears are unfounded. And the type of devices stocked by Go Vape have been rigorously tested to ensure they are safe to use, says Jason.

His concern is for those buying kit from the countertop at convenience stores and garages: “There are over a hundred places in Swindon that sell e-cigarettes, but there are only 10 proper vape shops. If you go to a corner shop or supermarket and by an e-cigarette you’re less likely to end up quitting smoking.”

For those who stick with it there are huge benefits to be gained, he said: “On average, cigarettes cost £10 a packet. It’s £20 a month for an e-cigarette. We have a lot of people who are saving £200 a month and at the end of the year they can go on a nice holiday.”

Chris Woodward, who manages Swindon Borough Council’s anti-smoking efforts, congratulated Go Vape on becoming the first vaping shop to join the Buy with Confidence scheme.

Speaking at an event held at the Great Western Hospital for those interested in stopping smoking, she said: “The single most important thing anyone can do to improve their health is give up smoking.”

For help to quit, contact the Live Well Swindon Hub on 01793 465513 or email livewell@swindon.gov.uk.

Go Vape is at 39 Havelock Street or online at: www.govape.co.uk.

Q&A: What is an e-cigarette?

An electronic device. Users suck in heated water vapour, to which has been added nicotine and (sometimes) flavourings. They come in different shapes and sizes, from bulky things that look like mobile phones to e-cigars.

Is it better than smoking?

The health professionals say it is. Public Health England this year published an evidence review that concluded vaping carried 95 per cent less risk to health than smoking, which is associated with cancers and heart problems.

Does it encourage kids to take up smoking?

Again PHE's report said categorically: "The evidence does not support the concern that e-cigarettes are a route into smoking among young people (youth smoking rates in the UK continue to decline, regular use is rare and is almost entirely confined to those who have smoked)".

Chris Woodward, Swindon Borough Council's public health officer, told an audience at GWH last week she had overheard a conversation between a group of youngsters in the town. One asked their companion: "Why would you want to take up vaping if you'd never smoked?"

How many people vape in the UK?

It's around 3 million. In Swindon, the smoking rate stands at 13.9 per cent - the equivalent of around 23,600 people.