THE world has moved on considerably since the 1950s when smoking was considered socially acceptable.

People would smoke dozens of the white sticks a day, often rolling their own home-made versions using packets of cigarette paper and tobacco.

Film stars would smoke, glamourising a practice which was commonplace in pubs and clubs, on public transport, on the street, and even in the workplace.

Those who didn’t smoke were in the minority, and had little option but to passively inhale the fumes in choky, smoke-filled rooms.

But the murky, polluted air gradually began to lift as public awareness of the health implications of smoking became more prominent.

The publishing of health warnings on cigarettepackets in 1971 was followed by high profile profile public health campaigns.

The UK smoking ban, introduced a decade ago, saw the end of smoking in public places.

Whilst smoking zones and shelters remain outside restaurants, pubs and offices, the move stamped home the message that the practice was no longer socially acceptable in the way that it once was.

In 2012, the Stoptober campaign was introduced to encourage smokers to give up for the month of October.

Five years on, the national campaign is urging Tynedale residents to take heed of regional figures, which suggest that people really can give up smoking for good.

Newly-published figures from Public Health England state that only 17.2 per cent of people in the North-East smoked in 2016, compared to 29 per cent of people in 2005.

And over 83 per cent of all residents in Northumberland are currently non-smokers.

The Stoptober campaign is based on research that suggests that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stop for good.

Northumberland County Council’s interim director of public health Liz Morgan said: “We would encourage smokers who would like to stop smoking this Stoptober to take advantage of the range of free support services available for them across the county.”

These include the Northumberland NHS Stop Smoking Service provided by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which supported more than 1,000 people to successfully stop smoking last year.

Clinics are also available in a range of venues, including GP practices, pharmacies and community centres. Out of hours clinics are also available.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust’s public health nurse lead Gillian Emmerson said free support and advice was available for electronic cigarette users as well as traditional smokers.

Health chiefs have been at odds over the safety of e-cigarettes, the battery- powered smoking devices.

They use cartridges filled with a liquid which contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. A heating device in the e-cigarette converts the liquid into a vapour, which the person inhales.

The recently-opened First Floor Vaparium, in Hexham’s Market Place, offers a wide range of e-cigarettes.

A spokesman for the firm said consumers could choose the amount of nicotine they had in their device, from a minimum of zero to a maximum of 18mg.

He explained: “They are safer than smoking because you have that control over the nicotine content, and they also cost a lot less money than the real thing.

“Some people switch completely on to vaping, and it works for them, but others need to make the change more gradually.

“I feel e-cigarettes are very effective because they quench the craving and also enable you to simulate the act of smoking.”

People who would like support to quit this Stoptober or at any other time should call (01670) 813135.

Stoptober starts on Sunday, October 1. To sign up, go to:www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home