A drive to recruit people to take part in ‘Stoptober’ to stub out their smoking habits was launched last week.

The event at Whitechapel’s Royal London Hospital saw residents sign up to quit next month as doctors try to clamp down on the biggest cause of premature death in Tower Hamlets.

The borough’s director of public health, Dr Somen Banerjee, said: “Stoptober is the biggest stop smoking campaign of its kind and stopping smoking is one of the best steps you can take to leading a healthier life.”

Those who participate in Stoptober will receive emails and texts with support and advice throughout October as they try to kick the habit.

For more information, visit www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober