Owing to New Year's resolutions, January and February is traditionally the busiest time for the city's Stop Smoking service. However, the numbers of people attending are down on previous years. Claire Holden, manager of NHS Sheffield's Stop Smoking Service, said: "We aren't seeing the numbers through the door we would otherwise expect at this time of year. "This is undoubtedly down to the weather, with people unable or reluctant to leave home to meet an advisor or attend one our clinics. We're still getting plenty of calls by phone, and enquiries by email, but a lot of people prefer face-to-face contact and that simply isn't happening. "Our major concern is that their motivation to quit will wane as a result, and potential service users may well be back on the cigarettes by the time the weather does finally improve." The service is now encouraging people to get back on track on No Smoking Day, which takes place next month. Ms Holden added: "We are asking smokers this year to treat national No Smoking Day as the time to make their New Year's resolutions and asking people to pledge now to quit on Wednesday, March 10." Various events will be organised by NHS Sheffield to coincide with No Smoking Day. Last year, NHS Sheffield was runner-up in the "No Smoking Day Event Organiser of the Year" award, for organising a firewalk in the city centre. Participants were first given a motivational lesson and then encouraged to walk over burning hot coals, to demonstrate their strength and determination.