The University of East Anglia (UEA) is looking for volunteers in Norfolk for a study into how best to support new mothers in giving up smoking long-term.

Funded by the Medical Research Council, the study will recruit people from Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth to develop the best methods to help prevent postpartum mothers from relapsing into smoking. There are currently no proven effective approaches to helping women to remain smoke-free after childbirth.

Dr Caitlin Notley from the Norwich Medical School at UEA said: 'Approximately a quarter of women in the UK report smoking in the 12 months before pregnancy. Over half of these women manage to quit during pregnancy. However, most women re-start smoking again after their babies are born.

'This can severely affect the health of the mother and the baby. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in adults, causing 80pc of deaths from lung cancer and bronchitis. Babies exposed to second-hand smoke from passive smoking have higher risks of cot death and suffering from breathing problems and ear infections.

'We need the help of local volunteers who are pregnant or have recently given birth, and recently given up or re-started smoking. With their help we will identify what approaches might best support women in remaining smoke-free after their babies are born.'

Recruitment for the study coincides with Stoptober, the month-long annual anti-smoking campaign. Anyone interested in taking part should contact pres.study@uea.ac.uk, text 'PRES' with your name to 07379 495933 or call 01603 597665.