A GIANT ‘Stop’ button has been installed at the entrance to Blackburn Market to promote the Stoptober campaign, which aims to get smokers to quit during October.

The three-metre high button is at the Church Street entrance, and council bosses hope it will encourage people to join the month-long quit attempt.

Blackburn with Darwen health trainers will also be on hand to give out information, advice and guidance, from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

The button features a message from The Bee Radio’s Sarah Collins saying: “I’m giving up smoking this year for Stoptober because I want more money to spend on clothes and holidays. I’ve also just taken up running so I’d like to be able to do that without coughing each time I go out.”

Coun Mohammed Khan, cabinet member for health, said: “Stoptober is a great chance to get help to break away from this addiction and start to feel the health and financial benefits of becoming smokefree.”

For further information call the stop smoking service on 01254 587999 or email quit smoking@blackburn.gov.uk.