Brits are spending more than ever on trying to quit smoking, reveal new figures.

Health campaigns seem to have hit home as sales of nicotine patches, gum and other quitting aids have soared 50 per cent in five years to £97 million a year, according to market analysts Mintel.

The research shows almost half (47 per cent) of all smokers – about six million people including new Tory leader David Cameron – have made some attempt to kick the habit during the past year.

Meanwhile, the number of cigarettes sold in the UK has dropped 12 per cent since 2001 from 56 billion to 49 billion ciggies a year.

However annual tax hikes have meant the total amount spent on fags has risen 13 per cent in five years to nearly £13 billion a year – 130 times more than on aids for giving up.

Mintel analyst Matt King said: “Spending on nicotine replacement therapy is rising at a phenomenal rate, but there is no escaping the fact that the British still cough up a staggering £130 on cigarettes for every £1 we spend on NRT.

“The increase in popularity of these products generally reflects the success of advertising campaigns, particularly those offering support programmes in addition to the actual products.

“The availability of NRT on the NHS and the fact that more doctors are now advocating their use has also increased their popularity.”

A third a smokers have used nicotine replacement products to help them give up. Patches are the most popular product, used by almost three in ten (28 per cent), and sales are growing.

Mr King said: “It appears that the majority of quitters prefer the continuous stream of nicotine provided by patches over the intermittent ‘hit’ provided by gum, tablets, lozenges or inhalers.”

Under 35s are the most likely to smoke but also the most likely to try to quit, the research shows.

Source: LSE