70s rocker records stop-smoking song

Smokers across Lincolnshire a new assault on their desire to light up – courtesy of the lead singer of 1970s rockers Uriah Heep.

Bernie Shaw, lead singer of the "Beach Boys of heavy metal" has recorded a song for Lincolnshire's Phoenix Stop Smoking Service to help convince people to quit the weed.

Tobacco control strategy manager for Phoenix Gary Burroughs said: "The song is very catchy and you can't help but sing along.

"The idea came after one of our Stop Smoking Advisors heard a similar song on the radio while on holiday in Cornwall, promoting Cornwall's stop smoking service.

"So Phoenix got in touch with the owners and producers of the song and acquired permission to adapt the rock song to Lincolnshire's Stop Smoking Service."

The song tells the story of a man who started smoking, became addicted, and then quit with the help of the Lincolnshire Community Health Service department.

"We're going to make it available to anyone who wants to quit and for health staff to give to people.

"Some people might be more influenced by leaflets and posters but for others this might just reinforce the quit message.

"We are hoping to get Lincoln City FC and Boston United to play it at half time.

"Even if it only influences a few people it will have still done it's job.

"And if it's a success, then we might look to try and get a group like X-Factor's like Jedward to do one for us to target younger people."

According to NHS figures it costs £500 to help someone to stop smoking, but £17,000 to treat them for a smoking related illness.

For more information about stopping smoking, contact the Phoenix stop smoking service on 0800 8401533.