THERE is no better New Year's resolution than giving up smoking, say health bosses.

They hope the beginning of 2012 will be the push people need to stub out the killer habit.

The Evening Times launched its Clear The Air campaign last autumn to show you why you need to quit – and offer you help to give up and stay stopped.

Throughout 2012 we will continue to offer you help and inspiration, as well as tell you about the success stories.

NHS Greater Glasgow And Clyde is hoping to help at least 20,000 people quit by 2014, while NHS Lanarkshire aims to help another 10,000 give up the habit.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's director of public health, said: "Stopping smoking is the most important action people can take to improve their health, so we want them to make 2012 the year they quit smoking for good.

"This will hugely improve their health and also that of their children and other family members.

"Second hand smoke breathed in by children in the car and in the home is a real threat to their future health.

"Any New Year is a time for everyone to take stock and decide to do what is best for them and their families.

"There is help and support available from our smoke-free services and our health professionals are fully committed to helping drive down tobacco usage."

Dr Caestecker said all the evidence showed that the best way to quit smoking permanently is by using nicotine replacement therapy and with the support of services specifically designed to help people quit.

Elspeth Russell, NHS Lanarkshire's assistant health promotion manager, said: "The start of a new year is traditionally a time when many smokers who have been thinking of quitting decide to try giving it up.

"There has never been a better time to quit because there is a whole range of support services to help people succeed."

Lanarkshire's Stop Smoking Services take place in various venues, for example in health and community centres. There can even be a class in your workplace on request.

These services offer free nicotine replacement therapy and, shortly, will also offer Varenicline, along with specialist nurse support – all aimed at helping people attempting to quit.

Last year NHS Greater Glasgow And Clyde had the highest estimated take-up of stop-smoking services of any health board region in the country, with almost 25,000 quitters.

Lanarkshire had more than 12,000.

The largest number who attempted to give up were those living in the most deprived areas, such as Glasgow's East End and Lanarkshire's Viewpark and High Blantyre, where smoking is most prevalent.

OUR Clear The Air campaign, run in conjunction with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire, aims to highlight the risks of Scotland's biggest killer and help you quit smoking for good.

n Every day in Scotland 36 smokers die from illnesses such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, strokes and heart disease.

n Then there is the harm caused to others by second-hand smoke, not to mention the spiralling cost.

n For help to stop smoking call Smokeline on 0800 848484 or see the website: www.eveningtimes.co.uk/ cleartheair

n Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching for Clear The Air.

n We are also looking for your stories. Call reporter Sarah Swain on 0141 302 6532 or send an e-mail to: sarah.swain@ evening times.co.uk