Smokers are being called on to kick the habit by a council that has £20million invested in tobacco.

Hertfordshire County Council has issued call today urging smokers to use its Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service to quit on No Smoking Day, this Wednesday.

The call comes after the authority decided to continue to give managers of its Hertfordshire Pension Fund discretion to invest in tobacco companies.

The decision follows a review of its investments after the council became the county’s public health authority last year.

Today the council said, as the organisation responsible for public health in the county, it is supporting one of the UK's biggest annual health campaigns. 

Its Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service will be in Watford town centre on Wednesday as part of No Smoking Day.

Teresa Heritage, the council’s cabinet member for Public Health and Localism, said: "Stopping smoking might be one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do but it is also one of the best - and you don’t have to face the battle alone. There's lots of free support on offer and by using the support that's right for you, you'll be boosting your chance of quitting for good.

"Hertfordshire County Council takes its public health responsibilities seriously and is fully supportive of the National No Smoking Day campaign run by the British Heart Foundation.  I am very keen that you make use of our stop smoking services to help you."

For more information on your nearest Stop Smoking Service call 0800 389 3 998, text 'Quit' to 07800 001 337, email stopsmokingservice@hertscc.gcsx.gov.uk or visit www.smokefreehertfordshire.nhs.uk