Smokers urged to kick the habit on National No Smoking Day

Today, Ash Wednesday, is national 'No Smoking Day' and the Irish Heart Foundation is encouraging people - including those who smoke only occasionally - to stop.

It's estimated that around one million people smoke in Ireland, and a quarter are regarded as occasional or social smokers.

The group says people who smoke 20 cigarettes a day spend around €3,500 on cigarettes every year.

"If you smoke we know that you will lose about 11-12 years of life," said Dr Ross Morgan, chairman of Ash Ireland.]

"Nine out of 10 cases of lung cancer in this country are associated with smoking."