And families all over the north east are being urged to play their part in 2009 and support their loved ones to help them quit.

The survey, by Fresh Smoke Free North East, reveals that ten per cent of the sample of north east smokers say they are gearing up to quit from January 1 and that around 71 per cent say they would like to quit.

Joanne Taylor, 37, from Wallsend, is planning to use NHS support for a new year quit attempt, and said: "I feel awful being back on the cigarettes. It was chest infections that persuaded me to stop last time.

"Last time I stopped I was able to treat myself to all sorts of things I couldn't previously afford when you're spending up to £120 on cigarettes a month.

"I'm planning to use NHS support with patches and inhalators and am determined to quit.

"If you fail you just have to try again.

"You don't realise how much support is out there until you try."

Jen Anderson, of Newcastle and North Tyneside NHS Stop Smoking Services, said: "This is one of our busiest times of the year as people who smoke aim to make their New Year resolutions last.

"Smokers need the support of their loved ones to quit and we would urge families to make sure that they access the help available from their local stop smoking service in January."

To find out more about NHS Stop Smoking Services call 0800 012 1612 or visit www.nhs.gov.uk/gosmokefree.co.uk