The stresses and strains of being a reporter have not interfered with one journalist’s battle to stop smoking.

The North Devon Journal has revealed how reporter Emma Pearcy finished smoking six months ago – thanks to pure willpower – and hasn’t touched a cigarette since.

She told her story as part of the Journal’s Quit Smoking campaign, launched to help new year quitters through their most difficult time.

Her success story came after years of the “fag break” now traditional in an industry that used to be renowned for overflowing ashtrays at reporter’s desks.

She said: “I hated feeling wheezy when I got up in the morning and if I’d been out the night before it did nothing to ease a hangover.

“I hated the smell sticking to my hands and my hair and my clothes. It was horrible.

“The money was a big factor in giving up. It was getting more and more expensive.

“I actually sat down a few days before and worked out how much a packet of ten cost me. Over a year that worked out at a couple of grand.”

She joined a gym and threw herself into a healthier lifestyle to help her personal campaign.

But her success wasn’t without temptation – and she was tempted by cravings – but she stopped having a cup of tea after dinner because it was then she found herself wanting to light up.

She said: “Going to the gym gave me extra motivation.

“I definitely feel better for it – and as for the money; it’s made a remarkable difference.”

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