Follow in the footsteps of a former smoker this Stoptober.

One You Cheshire East is calling on smokers to commit to the quit for at least 28 days in October.

Those who take part in Stoptober, an annual initiative run by Public Health England, are five times more likely to quit for good.

One success story is that of Cheshire East resident David Craig, who managed to quit after signing up to One You's 12-week Be Smoke Free programme.

He said: "It is hard for some, I found it easier with the encouragement and the guidance from the no smoking clinic and Karolina Ayers, do it.

"Very thankful for this service, it's given me more time in life to see my grandchild growing up and live longer for my grandson."

After four heart attacks, two transient ischemic attacks and a stroke, David never thought he'd quit.

But just two weeks into the Be Smoke Free programme, he gave up smoking and hasn't looked back.

Be Smoke Free member David, blowing 2ppm on the carbon monoxide monitor (Credit: One You Cheshire East)

Now ten weeks into the programme, David says he has felt better with his breathing, smelling and sleeping.

He has even saved enough money to treat himself to an Xbox and has more money to give to his family.

David says he was motivated to quit by his family, especially his grandson.

"It's wanting to be alive to see him grow up that's my motivation," he said.

"Christmas is coming up, my grandchild's first Christmas is going to be extra special with more money and no smoke and I just wish everyone could do this."

According to One You Cheshire East, the average programme participant could save £75.80 per week by quitting.

It's not just financial benefits, people who quit smoking report many other improvements, from better looking skin, improved sense of taste and smell, breathing easier and circulatory improvements, more energy and better sleep.

Professor Rod Thomson, interim director of population health at Cheshire East Council, said: "Smoking remains one of the biggest threats to public health and is a leading cause of health inequalities. 

"Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health and your loved ones.

"In Cheshire East we have a very successful Be Smoke Free programme, a free service so you can make a positive difference in your life."