One person quits smoking every 80 seconds in England, figures from Public Health England suggest.

As it launched the 2018 Stoptober campaign, the health body said that in 2017, almost 400,000 people in England successfully stopped smoking – the equivalent of 1,069 each day, or one every 81 seconds.

PHE figures show there are now 1 million fewer smokers in England since 2014, despite new people taking up the habit and former smokers relapsing.

PHE recommends using local stop smoking services along with stop smoking aids as the quit strategy with the highest chance of success. However, PHE says, most smokers try to quit using willpower alone, which it describes as the least effective method.

This year’s Stoptober campaign includes a free online personal quit plan to help identify stop smoking methods and support that will fit their current smoking profile, including NRT products, face-to-face support and e-cigarettes – currently the most popular stop smoking aid in Great Britain, with 3.2 million users.

Pharmacy minister Steve Brine said: “Millions of people are living healthier lives as a result of our efforts to reduce smoking rates. Britain is a global leader on tobacco control and our robust policies mean smoking rates have fallen to record lows. But we are not complacent – we know we must do all we can to keep encouraging smokers to quit for good.

“Quitting altogether is the single best thing a smoker can do for their health. Stoptober is a brilliant chance to go smoke-free for 28 days and see the benefits for yourself.”

PHE deputy medical director Dr Jenny Harries said: “There are many different types of stop smoking support available, so it can be difficult for a smoker to know what will work best for them. The important thing is not to be put off trying to quit even if you have not managed to in the past.

“This year, Stoptober can help you find a combination that could work for you. We predict that thousands of smokers will quit every day over the next 10 years – I urge smokers not to get left behind for the benefit of their health.”