Every cigarette reduces life expectancy by 20 minutes, the county's director of public health has said.

Simon Bryant highlighted the research on No Smoking Day, which was marked on Wednesday.

He said: "Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, now and in the future.

"Despite the rates of smoking decreasing, it remains the leading preventable cause of ill health and early deaths in Hampshire today, with more than 100,000 people continuing to smoke and countless more exposed to second-hand smoke in homes, at work, and in outdoor public places.

"National No Smoking Day is an excellent opportunity for those who smoke to take the first step towards giving up."

Mr Bryant also highlighted the benefits of quitting, saying: "Just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase.

"After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and within a year of quitting, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a person who smokes."