GET FIT FOR 05:JOHN Driver has more puff than ever because he's stubbed out his smoking habit.

It's all part of the 58-year-old's drive to Get Fit For 05.

John, from Wroughton, said: "I feel great. I thought I would be really bad tempered and craving a ciggie all the time.

"But I'm fine and don't miss them one bit."

Until last month John, a data manager, had been a smoker since he was 15. But he decided to stop, having volunteered to be one of the Evening Advertiser's Fit For 05 candidates.

"I've smoked all my adult life. I used to smoke about 40 Lambert and Butler a day, then I switched to roll-ups. It was just something I always did," he said.

John has only tried giving up once before and it lasted less than a fortnight. But this time he's determined to give up for good.

He said: "I really wanted to do it this time. And the strange thing is I haven't had any withdrawal symptoms."

John saw a smoking advisor at the West Swindon Health Centre and was given advice about how to quit.

He was also referred to his doctor, who prescribed him Zyban, the first nicotine-free pill which can help smokers kick the habit.

"My wife, Wendy, still smokes 20 a day. But I don't take any notice and am not in the least bit tempted. In fact I'm trying to get her to stop now."

The benefits of being a non-smoker are plain. John no longer gets out of breath when he takes his dog, Ben, for a walk. And he can work far harder when he goes to the gym.

All 12 Fit For 05 candidates received 12 months free gym membership, courtesy of the Living Well leisure club, at the Hilton Hotel, West Swindon.

Making full use of the facilities, John works out there three times a week. And Living Well manager Colin Roberts is putting him through his paces.

John said: "I'm definitely out of breath, and usually dripping with sweat, by the time Colin has finished with me.

"He's a hard taskmaster. But it's worth the effort. I feel and look so much fitter."

John has already shed seven pounds and his trousers are getting increasingly baggy at the waist.

He said: "I bought a new pair of jeans the other week and they're two sizes smaller than my old ones. I'm wearing a belt with these now, so the weight is still coming off. It's great."

Colin is equally pleased with his progress and has nothing but praise for his fellow candidates. He said: "John was strong when he started so it's a challenge to keep pushing him.

"They are all doing brilliantly. I change their work-outs to keep them on their toes."

l The Swindon Primary Care Trust offers one to one or group counselling sessions to help people stop smoking. For more information and to receive a free information pack call free on 0800 3892229.

Victoria Tagg