AUDLEY community centre in Blackburn will hold a walk-in advice session on Friday to help people quit smoking.

The event has been organised by Pharmacist Masqud Patel to warn ethnic minorities of the danger to their health caused by smoking.

Mr Patel said: "The aim will be to raise awareness and understanding of the serious health risks associated with smoking and chewing tobacco within the Asian community.

"During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims will have abstained from tobacco use while fasting. Many people will want to give up but may not know how.

"Our goal is to provide easily accessible pharmaceutical advice and support on smoking issues to the community.

"There will be particular emphasis on the ethnic minority population making use of bi-lingual resources."

A pharmacist and specialist smoking cessation advisor will be present to speak and advise in English, Urdu and Gujerati.

Information will also be available on products that may help people quit smoking.