SMOKERS across town will be waking up to their first smokefree morning as Stoptober starts on the same day that new laws banning smoking in cars with children come into force.

The annual 28-day challenge from NHS Smokefree, which is based on research showing smokers are five times more likely to stay quit if they give up the habit for a month, also sees the start of legislation in England and Wales to protect children under 18 from the dangers of secondhand smoke by fining those smoking in vehicles when they are present.

Sisters and first-time mothers Sophie and Victoria Popowicz were just children themselves when they took up the habit, but were determined to beat their addiction after falling pregnant.

Thanks to support from each other and help from the Swindon Stop Smoking Service, they are both now smoke-free and couldn’t be happier with the results.

“We couldn’t have done it without each other or the support from Annabel, our stop smoking midwife,” said Sophie Popowicz, 28.

“It was always going to be a struggle, having started when we were 13, but we’ve stuck with it and are so thrilled. It has definitely been worth it.”

The sisters calculated they’re saving nearly £100 a week after ditching the 20-a-day habit.

Victoria Popowicz, who now has a baby daughter, Isabella, said: “I honestly thought it would be more difficult because it had become so ingrained in our lives.

“Having Sophie’s support and the professional back-up has made it such a positive experience.

“Health-wise I feel better and our finances have also improved massively – I can’t believe how much money I was burning.

“But the best feeling is knowing our babies can breathe easily, that peace of mind is worth a fortune and we wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Those taking part in Stoptober cannot only benefit from peer support and free resources from the Swindon Stop Smoking Service, but this year the campaign will also welcome a personal touch from some of the nation’s leading comedians, including Bill Bailey, Rhod Gilbert, Al Murray and Shappi Khorsandi.

Coun Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “This week marks the start of new laws, which will hopefully be a further deterrent for smokers, and signals an important move to protect innocent children from the dangers of passive smoking.

“It’s also Stoptober – an ideal time to commit to quit and call on all the free support. I wish everyone who is taking part all the best on their smoke-free journey and encourage anyone who smokes to give it a try.”

This year an estimated two-thirds of smokers will attempt to quit. To sign up or for more information, visit smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober, or call the Swindon Stop Smoking service on 0800 3892229 or 01793 465513.