A GROUP of Slimming World consultants from Redditch met comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness at a glittering annual awards ceremony.

The team, who run weekly Slimming World groups in Redditch, were delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to Paddy when he co-hosted the Slimming World Awards with the organisation's chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE.

Bolton-born Paddy, who shot to fame in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights alongside school friend Peter Kay before becoming a popular stand-up comedian and TV presenter, said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

He added: “The most I knew about Slimming World before the awards was a gag in Peter’s routine that refers to Slimming World as being a £1 cheaper than its competitors. Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives. I met lots of people who'd lost incredible amounts of weight and it had totally changed their lives. Every single one told me that they couldn’t have done it without the support of their group and their consultant."

Slimming World Consultant Rose Greenway said meeting Paddy at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, was the cherry on the top of a great year for Slimming World groups in Redditch.

“Obviously the most important thing of all is that our members have lost weight and improved their health throughout 2013 and we’re so proud of all of the slimmers

"But as well as seeing stonking success on the scales, we’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too – we've held parties, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey."

For more details, see slimmingworld.com or call 0844 897 8000.