Would you believe it?

You couldn't make it up . . .

Smokers in deprived communities in one of Scotland's major cities are to be offered £12.50 a week to quit.

NHS Tayside hopes the £500,000 pilot scheme will help 900 people in Dundee stop smoking over the next two years.

Participants in the new initiative will be offered £12.50 per week credited onto an electronic card which they can redeem in their local supermarket for fresh food and groceries, but not alcohol and cigarettes.

They can take part in the programme for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Those taking part will receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) through their local pharmacy, where they will have to do a weekly carbon monoxide breath test to prove they are still smoke-free.

Participants will also receive social support from Dundee Healthy Living Initiative (DHLI) where they can access smoking cessation support, physical activities and other lifestyle advice and support.

Love the line about smoking cessation support!