North East smokers urged to quit to 'save money' over Christmas

Smokers are being urged to quit to save money as Christmas and New Year draw closer Credit: PA

Smokers across the North East are being encouraged to quit smoking in the run up to Christmas to improve their health - and save money.

The campaign heading into the New Year is being run by smoke free campaigners Fresh.

They've released figures showing how much money can be saved by quitting smoking:

  • £47 a week – which could pay for a Star Wars Remote Control BB-8 toy and a DVD.

  • £205 a month – the cost of a PlayStation4 games console.

  • £616 over three months – the equivalent of travel and a one-night stay for a family of four to London with a visit to the Harry Potter studio, plus an evening meal out.

  • £1,233 in six months – a four-night holiday for a family of four to Disneyland Paris next Christmas.

  • £2,467 in one year – which would cover the cost of a family day trip (2 adults and 2 children) to meet Santa Claus in Lapland plus a husky and reindeer rider for Christmas 2017.