SHOCK figures have revealed that more than a quarter of people in North Ayrshire continue to smoke.

Figures from the British Heart Foundation show 27 per cent of adults in North Ayrshire continue to light up.

That’s an estimated 36,000 people – and way ahead of the national average.

This week, the heart charity urged locals to sign up for National No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 12.

Half of all long-term smokers die because of their addiction to tobacco, making this one of the most pressing health concerns in the area.

Research from stop smoking services shows that smokers are four times more likely to be effective in quitting if they use specialist stop smoking support and treatment.

Marjory Burns, director at BHF Scotland, said: “Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do to improve your health.

"Stubbing the cigarettes out will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and a variety of cancers and you’ll have more money to spend on things that you enjoy.

“We know that quitting isn’t easy but last year nearly a million smokers across the UK used No Smoking Day to try and mark the start of their smoke free future.

"We’re encouraging people to get support from their local stop smoking service now and join forces with other would-be quitters across the country on 12 March, to win the battle with cigarettes once and for all.” Although more than two-thirds of smokers (69 per cent) want to give up, BHF research shows that one in five Scots are putting it off because they are concerned about putting on weight.

The poll also revealed that nearly one in four (23 per cent) of Scottish smokers have lit up after a meal to stop them eating more.

Victoria Taylor, senior heart health dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Some smokers feel they need to smoke to keep trim but, contrary to the urban myth, you don’t have to consign yourself to an early grave in order to stay in control of your waistline.

“We’re encouraging people to start their own battle plan now by following our tips and filling their fridge and handbag with healthy snacks to help them ditch the cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day and come out looking better than ever.” Around 13,000 people in Scotland die prematurely from smoking related causes each year, including an estimated 3,000 from heart and circulatory diseases and 6,000 from cancer. Despite this, a quarter of adults in Scotland continue to smoke.

The BHF’s annual No Smoking Day campaign encouraged a million people to attempt to quit smoking last year. This year’s ‘V for Victory’ theme is set to inspire even more people to win the fight against cigarettes and quit for good on Wednesday, March 12.

BHF dietitian Victoria has shared a few of her tips to help people to minimise weight gain during the quitting process and keep the weight off once you’ve given up for good: Brush your teeth or try chewing some sugar free gum when you get a craving for a cigarette.

The clean feeling in your mouth and minty taste can help to deter you from smoking and it can also help to curb cravings or urges to eat too.

Keeping your hands busy can be important when you are trying to give up. Avoid the temptation to keep nibbling and try playing a word or number game on your phone, doing some cleaning around the house or fiddly tasks that we often put off.

Set aside 30 minutes five times a week for getting active.

It can help you to manage stress and will also use up some energy which is perfect for helping you to quit cigarettes and keep your weight down.