A TOWN centre bingo worker is set to lead by example by kicking the fags into touch ahead of Sunday's ban on smoking in public places.Peter Dye, 64, has today become Ipswich's first ever “Smoke Buster” after pledging to quit as well as support colleagues and customers who also want to give up the weed.

A TOWN centre bingo worker is set to lead by example by kicking the fags into touch ahead of Sunday's ban on smoking in public places.

Peter Dye, 64, has today become Ipswich's first ever “Smoke Buster” after pledging to quit as well as support colleagues and customers who also want to give up the weed.

Mr Dye, an operations manager at Mecca Bingo in Lloyds Avenue, Ipswich, has smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day for the last 48 years.

He was nominated by fellow workers as a “Smoke Buster”, and says he is delighted with his new task.

The idea behind his role is to offer customers at Mecca help giving up smoking if they decide to quit.

It is estimated that around 50 per cent of bingo players nationwide smoke.

Mr Dye said: “After 48 years smoking it's about time I kicked the habit - I've tried to quit before but now seems to be the right time to knock it on the head for good.

“My wife doesn't smoke and I think it's unfair on her. Everyone at Mecca Bingo in Ipswich has been extremely supportive and I'm determined to succeed.

“My chosen charity is the ENT ward at Ipswich Hospital - they've given me a lot of help with my hearing over the years and I'd like to give something back”.

NiQuitin is helping Peter through his quitting journey.

He is following the Click2Quit Plan, which has been developed by experts and works in conjunction with NiQuitin products to provide Smoke Busters with tailored personal plans to help them kick the habit.

The general manger at Mecca Bingo in Ipswich, James Watson, said: “We're thrilled Peter has decided to become our Smoke Buster and he will be able to offer support to others who choose to do the same.

“We know it's hard to quit smoking at the best of times but now Peter can be a pillar of support for those wanting to quit when the national ban comes into place this July.”

Sandra Romanic, NiQuitin Brand Manager, said: “NiQuitin is very pleased to be working with Mecca Bingo on their Smoke Busters campaign.

“With the Smoke-Free Legislation coming into place on July 1 there has never been a better time to stop, and using therapeutic nicotine like NiQuitin will help smokers' to double their chances of quitting successfully compared to willpower alone.”

For more information on giving up visit www.click2quit.co.uk.