Ageing machines used to shock smokers in Scotland

Two Boots branches have introduced ageing machines designed to show people what they will look like in 20 years time if they do not stop smoking.

The branches are part of the Pharmore national pilot to extend walk-in pharmacy services.

The ageing machines take a picture of the patient and produce an image showing what they might look like in 20 years if they continue to smoke 20 cigarettes a day. Users looking for help and advice to quit are then referred to the Boots pharmacy.

Boots customer Carol Jane Cameron was motivated to start her second attempt to quit after the "shock" delivered by the machine.

"The pharmacy staff are really helpful, they don't judge you and if I need any help and support I know I can just drop in and speak to them," she said.

A Boots spokesperson added: "Boots UK customer feedback has been very positive about the tool as an additional way of helping them commit to quitting smoking."

The potential of the interactive machines was spotted by Liz Grant, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's public health pharmacist, during a visit to the Glasgow Science Centre. She decided to modify the technology for the smoking cessation services.