Recent study revealed that smoking is adversely affects smokers irrespective of financial status and sex. Recent findings were the result of study conducted over 28 years involving more than 15,000 men and women in Paisley and Renfrew.

The study subjects were divided into groups - male or female, smokers, ex-smokers or never-smokers - all in one of four social class headings.

Data analysis showed that by the end of the study only 41 per cent of female smokers in the top two classes and 24 per cent of men were alive as compared to 56 per cent of non-smoking women and 36 per cent of non-smoking men in the bottom two social classes.

Dr Laurence Gruer, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, said: "With over 23 per cent of adults in the UK still smoking, rising to well over 40 per cent in some places and groups, it's crucial we continue to make smoking cessation a priority."