MUSLIMS throughout South Buckinghamshire are being urged to give up smoking for good during the celebration of Islam's holiest month, Ramadan.

The Smoke Free Ramadan Campaign, set up by the Chilterns and South Bucks Primary Care Trusts, is designed to take advantage of the fact that tens of thousands of people give up smoking during the daylight hours of the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, which began on October 5.

The campaign aims to help Muslim smokers quit tobacco for good by motivating and supporting throughout Ramadan and following the celebration.

Dr James Mapstone, director of public health for South Buckinghamshire, said: "Giving up smoking is extremely difficult for many people.

"Some smokers suffer from nicotine cravings and often think that smoking a cigarette is the only solution.

"We can help smokers to beat the cravings through Ramadan. Once people see the benefits of cutting out cigarettes we can also help them to give up for good and dramatically improve their health as a result."

Throughout the campaign support is available for anyone who would like to give up smoking or chewing tobacco. This support is provided by Buckinghamshire Stop Smoking Service, and through the national support help line, Asian Quitline.

For further information or help and support on giving up tobacco for Ramadan contact Buckinghamshire Stop Smoking Service on 01494 552208. For further information on the Smoke Free Ramadan Campaign contact Chiltern & South Bucks Primary Care Trust on 01494 606667