DUDLEY Primary Care Trust is campaigning for a ban on all tobacco advertising as part of World Tobacco Day.

The Stop Smoking Service will be showing its support for young people and smokefree policies on Saturday May 31.

Globally, most people start smoking before the age of 18, with almost a quarter of those beginning before the age of 10.

The younger children are when they first try smoking, the more likely they are to become regular tobacco users and the less likely they are to quit.

Approximately half of today's young smokers likely to die early from smoking related diseases the World Health Organisation is calling for a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products around the world Ruth Olding, Tobacco Control Manager, Dudley PCT said: "Young people underestimate the risk of becoming addicted to nicotine and the tragic health consequences that can follow.

"We also know there is a strong link between advertising and smoking in young people that is why we are supporting the World Health Organisation with their latest campaign".

To support young smokers locally most secondary schools in Dudley have a school health advisor who is trained to offer young people tailored advice and support about smoking, this service is free to access, is confidential and offers young people the opportunity to stop smoking in school.

The Dudley Stop Smoking Service also offers support in colleges across the borough to young people aged between 16 to 18 years of age via the student services department, the counselling department or the healthy college member of staff.

Last year the Dudley Stop Smoking Service helped nearly 200 young people to stop smoking. For further information and advice contact the Dudley Stop Smoking Service on 0800 0850 652 or visit their website www.dudleystopsmoking.co.uk.