Children are campaigning to help parents quit smoking.

Hertfordshire County Council is supporting the national campaign to highlight the effect smoking has on the heart, as it is revealed that 45 people a day die of cardiovascular disease.

As part of the campaign, Public Health England has released a short film featuring children’s TV doctor Dr Ranj working with primary school children to create messages about the dangers of smoking.

The two biggest motivators for smokers to quit are their health and families.

Stephen Iacovone, a Hertfordshire resident who smoked for 36 years, said: “It doesn’t matter how many times people tell you to give up, you have to want to. I knew I couldn’t keep on smoking, especially with the children asking me to stop – it got to the point where I was hiding my roll-ups from them.”

Mr Iacovone gave up smoking three years ago and said he will not start again.

“I’ll never go back to smoking because I feel amazing. I feel clean inside, food tastes much better and I have more energy so I go to the gym now. The kids are much happier too which makes it all worth it,” he said.

Teresa Heritage, cabinet member for public health, said: “Currently 15.5 per cent of people in Hertfordshire smoke.

"Whilst this is lower than the national average, it is still too high and it is a key priority for us to help our residents reduce the harm from tobacco and live healthier, happier lives.

“Most people are well aware of the effects of smoking on their lungs, but are less aware of the awful impact it also has on the heart and arteries. It increases the risk of heart disease by a quarter and doubles the risk of heart attack or stroke.

“Stopping smoking will have a dramatic positive impact on your health and the health of those around you, especially children, and is the single best decision you can make to improve your health this New Year.”

For information about how Hertfordshire’s Stop Smoking Services can help you give up smoking, including advice about e-cigarettes, please text SMOKEFREE to 80818, call 0800 389 3 998 or visit http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/healthsoc/healthherts/smoking/.