I used to be a member of the British American Tobacco Company and later I had a farm of my own in Tanzania, where I grew about 80 acres of tobacco a year. That represented millions and millions of cigarettes.

When I came back to England, I was a heavy smoker -- 60 cigarettes a day, or 80 if there was a party. Then I decided to quit. Health evidence overpowered me.

Quitting was a triple-decked horror. The first three days were unmitigated terror. I didn't know whether to bash my head against the wall or simply tread on it.

The next three weeks were better, but still unbelievably difficult.

If a companion put his hand to his pocket, I would automatically hold out mine, thinking he was pulling out a packet of cigarettes.

The next three months were not too bad, and were manageable. Then it was over -- 35 years ago.

I am so glad I did it. I became so much fitter and 40 years or more later, I wonder why the hell I ever picked up a weed.

It is difficult to give it up, but I can assure all concerned that it is really very, very worthwhile. Think, also, of how you can spend the money you will save. John Collinson, Sturt Close, Charlbury