One of the world?s leading quit smoking clinics will return to Bermuda to help nicotine-addled Islanders throw out their cigarettes for good.

Damian O?Hara of the Allen Carr clinic promises to help smokers quit by the end of a five-hour session.

The clinic, which was sold out in May, is quickly filling up. Joy Pimental, president of anti-smoking group Bermuda Advocates for Non-smoking, said 105 spots are available with 60 already taken.

The clinic runs from August 14 to 22.

Mrs. Pimental said the clinic has a 63 percent success rate. That compares to 12 to 15 percent for traditional remedies such as the patch or anti-smoking drugs and the three to six percent success rate of going cold turkey.

Smokers are allowed to light up during the session, but most are said to butt out for good by the end.

?The key to finding it easy and enjoyable to quit smoking and stay happily (off cigarettes) is to remove the desire to smoke,? said Peter French of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association, a former smoker who quit using the Carr method.

?It really can be surprisingly easy to quit smoking but only with the correct mental approach.

?Carr teaches smokers how to approach the smoking problem properly.?

The Carr Method was developed by former chain smoker Allen Carr in 1983.

It emphasises group therapy sessions in which smokers are allowed to light up. Since then, Carr?s reputation has grown steadily.

In 1998 Carr was invited to address the World Health Organisation?s Tobacco Free Initiative.

He is the only person without medical qualifications ever to have been invited to address the WHO.

Today, Carr?s 53 clinics in 23 countries help over 55,000 smokers every year.

The clinic is sponsored by the National Drug Commission, the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association, Open Airways and TB Cancer and Health Association.

For more information, call Mr. French at 333-2266 or visit the website www.bpa.bm/smoking.