Patches, pills, gum, hypnotherapy . . . now a Sussex based company claims it can help people quit smoking while they sit in front of their personal computers.

A new package called SmokerSaver has been launched for the New Year, when millions of people traditionally make a resolution to kick the habit.

The package is a screen saver which Arundel-based company DripFeed Ltd said could be a life saver for smokers because it acted as a "virtual therapist".

The screen saver activates every time a computer is left idle but every message which appears on the screen is different as it builds into a 30-day course.

Company director Mark Purvis said he hoped smokers would find following the screen saver an addictive way of giving up smoking.

He said: "Each SmokerSaver screen builds on the last so it is dripfeeding a constant stream of advice and inspiration into the user's normal day.

"Each drip of information only occupies a minute or two so learning develops with virtually no interruption to the normal working day."

Mr Purvis, whose company is based in Arun Street, is a qualified psychologist and tested the screen saver on several smokers prior to its internet launch.

He said: "We found people were very inspired by the programme but it is early days and we are waiting to see if they hang on in."

The first screen saver to appear focuses on the frightening facts behind the habit and how it destroys millions of lives.

The programme then moves on to assess the user's habit and offers advice and help for the actual "quit day".

After that Mr Purvis said the screen saver acted as a friend to hold the user's hand and offered a stream of advice about coping with the craving to light-up He said: "Breaking the habit needs constant support and SmokerSaver is designed to do that and help someone keep on track until, hopefully, they reach their goal."

Details of the screen saver can be found at www.smokersaver.com