The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984, and it now takes place on the second Wednesday in March.

We asked our readers what advice they would give to someone looking to quit smoking, on the 40th anniversary of No Smoking Day (March 13). Here's what they said.

Graeme Harrison said: "Don't start, I've never tried and I'm 68," while Jon Winter said: "Get a partner that hates it. Mine gave me an ultimatum, I can either have her or the cigarettes but not both."

Bev Eaves said: "Never give up on giving up! I smoked heavily for 45 years, and I haven't had a cigarette now for about five years, go to see the doctors mine had a special clinic where I received amazing help each week, just keep trying."

Derek Sim shared his advice: "Buy a packet of your preferred brands of cigarettes and keep the 'un-opened packet' with you at all times. It stops the craving because you know they are close-by. Also, replace a habit with a habit. Fancy a cigarette? Brush your teeth. Bad habit replaced with a good habit. Hope this helps."

Simon Shaw said: "Smell yourselves. You stink."

Joe Barber added: "Don’t buy cigarettes."