Pictures of tumours and dead bodies to be placed on cigarette packs to scare smokers

An image of a corpse on a mortuary slab or a tumour growing from the side of a smoker's neck may be used as ministers try to persuade millions to quit the habit.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson will announce the measure today, after studying evidence that pictures of diseased lungs and congested arteries have reduced smoking rates in other countries.

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The images will accompany written warnings.

For instance, a message stating that smoking reduces fertility is expected to be used with a picture of a woman with an empty pram.

Alongside one explaining that smoking causes impotence, a drooping cigarette may feature, symbolising erectile dysfunction.

In all, 14 different messages have been chosen for inclusion on cigarette packets.

They are expected to be mandatory by the end of the year and to appear on other tobacco products in 2008.

The written health warnings and pictures will cover a total of 30 per cent of the front of tobacco packets and 40 per cent of the back, surrounded by a black border.

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Canada was the first country to put such pictures on cigarettes, in 2000. They are also used in Singapore and Brazil.

Research by the Department of Health found that more than 70 per cent of adults and almost 90 per cent of youths in Canada think the warnings are effective in telling them about the effects of smoking.

Other written warnings that are expected to appear on packets include: 'smokers die younger', 'smoking clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks and strokes', 'smoking causes cancer', and ' smoking can cause a slow and painful death'.

Another, saying smoking 'causes ageing of the skin', may be illustrated by a picture of a smoker's prematurely wrinkled hand.

More positive messages have also been considered, including: 'Stopping smoking reduces the risk of fatal heart and lung diseases'.

Jean King, director of tobacco control at Cancer Research UK, said: "The evidence-from Canada, Brazil and elsewhere-is clear.

"Graphic picture warnings inform people of the risks of smoking and help encourage people to reduce their smoking or quit altogether."

"They also help minimise uptake by young people.

"This measure will inform people of the truth. It will help de-glamorise cigarette packs and let people know what they really get from smoking."

The British Medical Association said: "Placing graphic images on cigarettes packaging showing the horrible ways in which smoking can damage your health will undoubtedly encourage some people to give up smoking and significantly reduce their risk of dying prematurely from heart disease, cancer and other killer diseases."