Smokers urged to kick the habit for Stoptober 2015

The government has announced the imminent return of its successful Stoptober anti-smoking campaign, which will run throughout October 2015.

As in previous years, the initiative encourages smokers to kick the habit for 28 days, as it has been shown that abstaining for four weeks makes it five times more likely that the individual will be able to give it up permanently.

Top British comedians such as Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi will be aiding the campaign by providing messages of support and encouragement that will be sent straight to participants' phones and emails throughout October.

Professor Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing for Public Health England, said: "Along with receiving proven advice and support, participants this year will get encouragement every day from some of the best comedians in the country to help them reach 28 days smoke-free."

The announcement came alongside the results of a new study showing that smokers are 67 percent more likely to quit when their spouse stops smoking, as well as being around one-third more likely to quit when a close friend or colleague does.