A leading Falkirk MSP has thrown his support behind a health charity’s call for local people to give up smoking.

Martyn Day, MSP for Falkirk East and Linlithgow, attended ASH Scotland’s parliamentary reception, where he was briefed on the latest local smoking statistics, including the most recent estimate that 12.1 per cent of adults in the area smoke.

ASH Scotland representatives highlighted some of the many health benefits of quitting smoking, including a halving of the risk of lung, mouth, throat, pancreatic, bladder, oesophageal and laryngeal cancers within five to ten years of giving up cigarettes.

Martyn Day MSP said: “I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s work and encourage my constituents who smoke to contact the free Quit Your Way service which provides vital stop smoking advice.

“Whether you’re trying to give up smoking for the first time or trying again, it’s reassuring to know that there is expert support available from NHS Scotland’s qualified health professionals who can guide you towards a healthier tobacco-free future.”

Sheila Duffy, ASH Scotland chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have Martyn Day MSP’s support for our campaigning for Scotland to achieve a tobacco-free generation.

“Tobacco is still the biggest cause of preventable death in Scotland but people in Falkirk who smoke can have a brighter future by contacting Quit Your Way as they can increase the chances of successful quit smoking attempts by three to four times.”

Anyone wanting to give up cigarettes can visit QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 84 84 84.