JAMES MORGAN j.morgan@theherald.co.uk A NEW Stop Smoking Service was launched yesterday, targeted at pregnant women in some of Scotland's most deprived communities.

NHS Lanarkshire has one of the worst records for smoking-related illnesses in Scotland, with four people dying every day of illness directly attributable to smoking.

Yesterday, the health board launched a centralised one-stop shop for people who want to quit.

"It works!" was unveiled at Motherwell Football Club, with the support of Motherwell player Mark Reynolds. By making a phone call, smokers can join a support group where nurses offer access to free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) without a prescription.

Elspeth Russell, NHS Lanarkshire's assistant health promotion manager, said: "Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy and a group is four times more effective than going it alone. Unlike other parts of Scotland, we provide free NRT so you don't have to go to your doctor for a prescription. Research shows smokers have the best chance of quitting if they are in a group."

Dr Gregor Smith, a Hamilton GP, who specialises in respiratory problems, said: "A quarter of all deaths in Lanarkshire are attributable to smoking."

Doctors in Lanarkshire are especially concerned about the numbers of pregnant women who smoke.