But one Londonderry bingo hall, Strand Bingo, has teamed up with the Western Health Trust to help its patrons give up by providing support and advice.

Strand Bingo's manager William Lindsay (30) and two customers, Mary Foley (46) and Marie Bradley, have been keeping a diary of their efforts to stay off tobacco, and they have shared a few entries from the first week, including the highs and lows, with the Belfast Telegraph.

William, from the Waterside, is a smoker of 14 years, having started at the age of 16, and wanted to give up because of shortness of breath at night.

Marie, from Lone Moor Road in the city, is a smoker of "many years" and Mary, from St Eithne's Park, has been addicted for 34 years having started at the age of 14.

First day of the smoking ban

WL: Today was fine as I was busy working and smoking never crossed my mind. Although the hall was well-ventilated already, it is now an even more pleasant atmosphere to work in. It makes a big difference working in a smoke-free environment.

MF: This is my first day off 'them' and I am doing well. My family have asked me to give cigarettes up many times, but in the past I have found it too difficult.

MB: I went to bingo tonight on the first day of the smoking ban and I had a cup of tea and a glass of water instead of the usual cigarette.

Tuesday May 1

WL: I had a few cravings today and found it difficult to keep my mind off smoking. I managed to take my mind off it for a while though by having a Mars bar! The health worker came to the bingo this evening and a number of people were interested in asking for advice on how to quit.

MB: At bingo tonight they had a lady from the Western Health Board, Theresa Timlin, who gave me some advice on techniques to stop smoking, further resources and how to get chewing gum and patches.

Wednesday May 2

WL: I was fine during the day and managed to abstain. I decided to go out for a drink this evening though and unfortunately I found the craving too much and smoked a cigarette.

MF: I feel so much healthier since I stopped smoking and even though I eat healthy, and walk a lot, I still find since I gave up smoking my energy levels and breathing have improved greatly.

Thursday May 3

WL: I woke up feeling disgusted with myself for having smoked and I have decided to try again.

MB: I have noticed that I have not had a wheeze. When I go to bed at night, my chest is clear and I have stopped coughing.

Sunday May 6

MB: Today was a bad day. I feel down as I've had two cigarettes. I have been chewing gum but I am not sure if it's doing me any good.

Monday May 7

WL: I smoked again today and am annoyed with myself, but I am determined to pick myself up again. It hasn't been easy since I quit and I have slipped a few times, mainly when I have had a couple of beers, but I am determined to stop.

MB: Back on track, it's been a good day I've had no cravings and there's no way I will take one again.

MF: I have had no problem in giving up smoking and I think the reason for that is because I had prepared myself for it well in advance. All I need now is for someone to offer me a cigarette so I can say: "No thank you, I don't smoke!"

Last night

WL: I am still coping reasonably well. I have smoked twice in the past three weeks but I'm trying my best to quit completely.

MB: I'm still finding it tough, but still going strong.

MF: I'm doing well. I've been out walking a lot and have to push myself much harder before I feel a wheeze. My husband says I'm sleeping better and my daughter is delighted the house no longer smells of smoke.

Anyone wishing to stop smoking can ring the smokers helpline 0800 858 585 for practical advice.

Top tips for stopping cigarettes

Use a diary: Record every time you have a cigarette and what you were doing at the time. This can help you plan ahead for times you find it hardest.

Tell friends and family you have stopped so they can support you.

Inform smokers you know that you have stopped so they know not to offer you a cigarette.

Throw out all ashtrays, cigarettes and lighters.

Write down reasons why you want to stop and use it as a reminder.

Find out about support treatments and therapy.

Practice saying: "No, thanks. I don't smoke" for any tempting situations.

Avoid social situations where you would normally have smoked.

Plan treats with the money you have saved.

Remind yourself that physical cravings will pass after five minutes.

Think positive and take up new activities.