Let this year's No Smoking Day be the last day you light up, former Olympiad Chris Cook urges all aspiring quitters from the metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear.

With thousands of people getting prepared to celebrate No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 14, the borough of Tyne and Wear is gearing up to observe the day in a befitting manner and what better than having an ex-Olympian pledging to the smokers to give up the bad habit!

"I would encourage anyone who smokes to make this year's No Smoking Day their first as a former smoker. A number of events are taking place in the borough to help people quit", Cook said, adding that quitting smoking is the surest way to see an improvement in health.

This year's quit smoking theme 'Take the Leap' is designed to honour the upcoming Olympic Games. Numerous stop smoking events will be organised on Mar 14, in an attempt to help people quit smoking for good. South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust will be orchestrating a majority of the events.

Given below is a list of smoking cessation programmes you can benefit from on No Smoking Day:

1. Carbon monoxide level tests, smoking cessation advice and support will be provided at South Tyneside Library, Prince Georg Square, South Shields, from 10am to 2pm.

2. Stop Smoking event at Cleadon Park Health Centre, Prince Edward Road, from 10am to 4pm.