A CHEMIST from Halesowen is on a one-man mission to get people to stop smoking.

To mark National No Smoking Day Clive Turner has an open door policy at his Manor Lane pharmacy with people wanting to give up the demon weed.

He said: "By popping into the pharmacy we can discuss your individual needs, talk through the products available to support you and offer ongoing encouragement and tailored advice to help you stop smoking for good."

"The health benefits of giving up become apparent after just 24 hours as the nicotine and carbon monoxide start to leave the body, oxygen levels return to normal.

"The lungs will start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris and smokers will have an improved sense of taste and smell."

Between two and 12 weeks, regular exercise will become easier and breathing improves. From three months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems are reduced and by a year the risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

Clive said: "There’s no need for an appointment, people can simply walk into the pharmacy for a free private consultation. We also offer blood pressure and cholesterol checks which can be followed up to help chart improvement over time."

The service is offered as part of the All About Health Programme, which promotes healthy living.

Clive said: "No Smoking Day was a good opportunity for people to quit, but support and advice was available all year round to start your quit journey."