And Muslims in the area are being encouraged to join that number by using the fasting period of Ramadan to help them quit.

County-wide, 3,310 smokers kicked the habit after joining up to the NHS Stop Smoking Service in 2007 - and 627 of those were from Warwick district.

Service manager Jane Wright thinks Ramadan, which started on September 1, could be an "excellent opportunity" for Muslims to stop smoking.

She said: "During Ramadan, Muslims must refrain from all food, drink, cigarettes and any kind of tobacco from dawn to sunset. Our advisers can provide confidential help and support to anyone who has decided to quit and provide nicotine replacement therapy products.

"Those who have our support and use these products are up to four times more likely to be successful.

"Whilst some Muslims will not be able to use nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum during fasting times, there are tablets that can be taken before and after fasting.

"These tablets are available on prescription from GPs' surgeries."

An 'IOU' scheme is also being 'rolled out', which allows the families of smokers to give their loved ones notes with printed messages such as "I'll tidy my bedroom if you stay smoke-free on a family day out" and include the service contact details.

Mrs Wright added: "Quitting is not easy, but the support of family and friends can make a real difference."