Films highlight dangers of smoking

The film-making talents of young people from across Suffolk have been recognised at a glitzy award ceremony. The second Suffolk Stop Smoking Oscars event, hosted by NHS Suffolk, took place recently, challenging young people to create their own short films highlighting the dangers of smoking. Seven schools and one young persons' film group entered as part of a collaboration between the Suffolk Smoke Free Alliance, Healthy Ambitions Suffolk, NHS Suffolk and NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney. Elspeth Gibson, chairman of the Suffolk Tobacco Control Alliance, said: "The high standard of entries this year highlights the talent of young people in the county. Choosing the winners was difficult, as every one of the films successfully delivered the serious message that smoking is a habit that young people shouldn't start." Daniel Chapelle, NHS Suffolk's health improvement manager, added: "We know that one in seven 15 year olds regularly smoke and that every day three people in Suffolk die from a smoking related illness. Most smokers start in their childhood, so it's vitally important we continue to discourage young people from smoking and help prevent premature death and illness among the next generation."