RINGWOOD School is taking a pro-active approach to the age-old problem of teenage smokers, by holding a special quitters group.

The first session of the school’s new group is being held today in a bid to encourage youngsters to quit the evil weed.

Six students and a teacher have already signed up to the group, which is working with the Cornerways practice in Ringwood.

Dr Tim Knight will run it each week to try to break the children’s habits, and parents worried about their children are urged to encourage their youngsters to join up.

One parent, whose 14-year-old has recently confessed to smoking, went to talk about her concerns and was pleasantly surprised the school was taking such an approach.

She said: “I thought there might be reprimands, but instead I was told this new group is starting up – I think it’s a great idea.”