GRAPHIC images, which are set to appear on cigarette packets, have received the backing of Swindon Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Fifteen harrowing images, including pictures of diseased lungs, have been chosen to warn the public of the dangers of smoking.

A total of 42 images featured on a website for the public to vote on.

They included people wearing oxygen masks in hospital with the words "Smoking causes fatal lung cancer" and pictures of a foetus with the words "Smoking harms your baby".

One image showed a patient receiving emergency treatment with the headline "Smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes".

Spokeswoman Kirsty Brain said Swindon PCT was fully in favour of the Government's new shock tactics.

She said: "We are right behind the new images since they raise awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke, as well as ways of giving up smoking.

"I'm sure the images will have an impact because they are visual.

"When we introduced written warnings on packets it increased the number of people who gave up and I'm sure that this will increase further with images alongside the worded message."

Government regulations will force manufacturers to use such images on cigarette packets from September 2008 and on other tobacco packets from September the following year.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson, who announced the new anti-smoking campaign yesterday, said the effect of written messages was diminishing.

He said image-based warnings had enjoyed success in countries such as Canada and Brazil.

Swindon PCT is already marginally ahead of its Government target for reducing the number of smokers in the borough, with 286 people quitting in the area from April to June 2007. The quarterly target is set at 282.

Miss Brain told the Advertiser that she hoped the new images would build on the PCT's success.

"There is already an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which offers free guidance, advice and support.

"We also go into workplaces and hold free drop-in sessions for people who want to quit and these are supported by local businesses. The new images should only help to further dissuade people from smoking."

Residents can take advantage of the Swindon NHS Stop Smoking Service by contacting their local GP or calling the service direct on 0800 389 2229.

The service will support those wanting to quit smoking with one-to-one and/or group sessions, and provide support, information and advice on nicotine replacement products.