A RECORD number of smokers in Barrow have come forward looking to quit smoking, VPZ say.

Upon re-opening its Barrow store, VPZ saw record sales in its ‘New to Vaping’ kits representing its largest ever uptake.

The firm, which specialises in vaping and alternative tobacco products, has had to adapt to the new way of life following the huge change in the retail landscape that has come as a result of the pandemic.

The forced closure of vaping stores during Lockdown has meant that smokers have not been able to access advice, products and help on how to quit smoking.

This, combined with the extensive smoking service cuts throughout the UK, has meant that smokers across the country have not been able to get the help they need to quit.

VPZ is now seeing record demand from smokers looking for expert advice and personalised support to help them make the switch.

It is also committed to play its part in helping the UK achieve its ambitions to be a tobacco-free nation by 2030, set out by the Government in 2017.

A new report from Royal College of Physicians Tobacco Advisory Group backs vaping as an effective treatment for tobacco dependency, recommending that it should be included and encouraged in all treatment pathways.

Doug Mutter, director of VPZ said: "Post lockdown we had expected to see a rise in smokers coming forward looking for help and guidance but the scale and demand here in Barrow and across our store network has been huge. We recognise now more than ever the need for an enhanced level of service and support that our customers require following lockdown. Our specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, giving our customers a dedicated one-to-one consultation to help smokers begin their quit journey."