Police smokers get hypnotherapy

Officers already cannot smoke in uniform in public

A police force says it will pay for hypnotherapy to help officers quit smoking when legislation on lighting up in the workplace comes into force.

It could cost £100,000 if all of the estimated 3,500 smokers who work for West Midlands Police take up the offer.

The force will have to close its 100 remaining smoking rooms when the legislation takes effect in July.

Everyone can have one session, costing about £35, for free, but would have to pay for more themselves.

The sessions, which last for about an hour, are expected to start in June.

The force has one hypnotherapy specialist and is looking to recruit three more.

West Midlands Police has one of the best sickness and attendance records in the country and believes it will save money in the long run.

Officers are already not allowed to smoke in uniform in public.