Merton Council and fire brigade are helping smokers in the borough kick the habit once and for all.

All Merton fire fighters have recently completed their NHS level one intervention training, which means that they now have the knowledge to direct smokers towards the LiveWell stop smoking service, run by Merton Council.

Smoking is the primary cause of accidental fires and the brigade conducts more tha 800 home visits per year.

With this added training the health and wellbeing of the residents concerned can be improved through signposting them towards this free six week programme.

Cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Linda Kirby said: "Smoking has a major impact on a person’s health and working with our colleagues in the Fire Service will help us spread the message that we have an excellent service ready to support residents to stop smoking."