A national campaign has been launched urging smokers to quit for a month.

The Government wants the UK's eight million smokers to kick the habit for 28 days from October 1 as part of Stoptober.

England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said it was a "mass quick attempt" and quoted research that said those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.

Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, added: "Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your own health as well as those you love and live with.

"About two thirds of smokers say they want to quit, so Stoptober provides a great opportunity to join thousands of people in the same situation and ditch the cigarettes for good."

A big red Stoptober wheel is set to travel the country so people can sign it and pledge to quit. The wheel features in adverts that will be played out on TV.

The campaign will also involve ads on radio, a daily messaging service and national roadshows. A Stoptober app and a Facebook page have been set up.