Today (Wednesday) smokers across Fermanagh are being urged to ditch the cigs to mark 'No Smoking Day'.

Research carried out in Northern Ireland has revealed 68% of smokers believe their early morning cigarette will prove one of the toughest challenges in quitting smoking.

Having a cigarette with a social drink (69%) and after dinner (77%) also ranked as key potential flashpoints identified by smokers trying to tackle their addiction. When asked if any other 'cigarette moments' would be difficult to ignore, interestingly, a high percentage (77%) said that when bored was a difficult time with high temptation. Leading health psychologist, Dr Melanie Giles from the University of Ulster, believes understanding why and when these 'moments of weakness' occur will help smokers to kick the habit for good.With such a high percentage (77%) ranking a cigarette after the main meal as the most difficult to give up, it shows smokers psychologically feel that the meal isn't truly finished until that cigarette. Here, Dr Giles suggests: "It's probably a good idea to get up from the table and move away from where you were eating, to take your mind off the craving. It might also be helpful if you were to plan other ways to help you unwind, like taking a relaxing bath."

If you fancy a treat this time next year, bear this in mind. The average smoker of 20 a day will save £154 in four weeks and a whopping £2,000 in a year." ( Based on a packet of 20 cigarettes costing £5.50).

For further information on quitting smoking and avoiding key moments of weakness beating the cravings, go to www.click2quit.co.uk