Adult smoking rates in York have dropped to just 6.7%, making the city 8th lowest in the country for nicotine use.

This latest milestone reflects a broader regional trend, with Humber and North Yorkshire smoking rates falling to a record low of 11.7 per cent, down from 12.7 per cent last year. That’s nearly 15,000 fewer smokers across the region.

York’s Health Trainer service has been offering free, personalised support to help residents quit smoking, alongside free vapes and nicotine replacement therapy.

Pete Milner, a grandad and HGV driver from the Stockton Lane area of York, stopped smoking after 50 years by using free nicotine patches with support from York Health Trainers. He said: “I was struggling to breathe and had a really awful cough.

“I quit over six weeks ago and the difference you can tell after the first two weeks – your breathing starts getting a bit easier. I used to wheeze a lot I’m not even wheezing at all now and I’m sleeping better.

“Yes it’s hard work, it’s not easy, but I haven’t had a cigarette in over six weeks now and the support that I’ve had – I can’t fault it!”

Smoking is still a major issue in York and surrounding areas of North Yorkshire, accounting for 2500 premature deaths each year. It also costs the region nearly £1.4 billion each year in lost productivity, sick leave, and NHS treatment.

Despite that, the statistics remain promising, and Councillor Lucy Steels Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council wants to continue the progress which York has made in recent years.

She said: “York’s continued progress in reducing smoking rates is a testament to the dedication of our Health Trainers and the commitment of residents to lead healthier lives.

“Every person who stops smoking is taking a powerful step toward better health — for themselves and their families.”