‘I used to smoke four or five cigars in every evening although I never smoke during the day. I am one of those people who need to be occupied, so on a Saturday, if I was digging the garden or something, I didn’t have a craving for a cigar. But once I sat down at the end of the day with a beer, I would want to have a cigarette - the two go hand in hand.

‘Going to the group sessions has really helped. I am on my own now because I am divorced and my kids have left home, so it is good to have the chance to talk to people. It does help when you are surrounded by non-smokers. I go regularly and it’s great because the other guys chat and support each other. Some of the older ones who were there when I first started have now moved on. They haven’t caved in and started smoking again and that gives you hope to carry on.

‘I think it is a bit of an achievement. I am not a very clever bloke. Haven’t had much education and all that and I felt if that’s all my life consists of, smoking and drinking, that’s a poor outcome isn’t it? It’s a little achievement to have the willpower to do something.’