The government is offering free nicotine patches to smokers in England planning to quit in the new year.

A week's free trial of the patches - part of the NHS Stop Smoking Quit Kit - will be available at many chemists for the first time from 1 January.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley told the BBC he hoped people would then complete the full course.

Charity Action on Smoking and Health welcomed the move but said the scheme had not been advertised properly.

I did not know of this. I do now, and there is a good chance I may take advantage of it.

I'm pretty sure I can trade them for fags somewhere

I hate the BBC's headlines when they don't use the proper words.

"England smokers"? Are they like football supporters, or the Barmy Army? The correct word in this headline is "English"! Who smokes England, for Bob's sake?

I'm off to start smoking. It might be more fun than just being pedantic and angry all the time.

I did not know of this. I do now, and there is a good chance I may take advantage of it.

I'm pretty sure I can trade them for fags somewhere

put "smokers in England" instead of "England smokers"

I think the biggest help in giving up smoking is wanting to give up.