Help Argyle win the virtual league

ARGYLE fans are being called-up to help their team win a new virtual football league by getting online and pledging to quit smoking.

The 'Smokefree United' Crown website, launched by the NHS, gives football fans the chance to help their online team rise up through the championship in return for advice and support about quitting smoking.

The virtual Plymouth Argyle are currently twenty places above their real-life counterparts in second place, just behind Bristol Rovers.

Those who sign up will receive special coaching emails and texts from football legend Ian Wright, as well as other incentives including a free football for the first 1000 people who pledge to stop smoking.

Fiona Andrews, Director of Smokefree South West, said: "Not only do you get free tips from Ian Wright but our NHS Stop Smoking Service has a network of advisors across the South West who run free down-to-earth sessions.

"They can offer practical tips on how to take the edge off those cravings and be a real success at achieving your goal to go smokefree."

According to new research, four out of ten male smokers in England play football and eight out of ten are concerned about the effect smoking has on their performance and want to quit.

Fiona Andrews added: "Smokers are up to four times more likely to go successfully smokefree with local NHS Stop Smoking Service support so it really does offer smokers the best chance to quit."

Fans wishing to help the team shoot up the table can sign up at www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united