A SALFORD Priors man is determined not be weighed down by his old eating habits.

Stephen Stokes, who has been attending Kelly Gibbons’s Salford Priors group, near Evesham, has lost a total of four stones in 15 weeks.

He also had the courage to achieve this giant goal by overcoming the prospect of walking into a predominantly female domain – slimming clubs.

He said: "Slimming World has allowed me to change my life and the lives of my family for the better. By losing over four stones I have improved both my health and fitness."

He explained there is now less worry for his parents and wife and his three boys have a dad who can keep up with them.

Kelly said: "I’m so proud of Stephen. He has changed his life in such a short amount of time by eating all his favourite meals like curries and samosas. Stephen is a huge part of group and this year I’ve loved helping more men than ever before."

Members who join Slimming World can aim to succeed in competitions within their group and can also be put forward for regional and national finals for a range of accolades including Mr Sleek, Couple of the Year and Man of the Year.

There is also the title of Greatest Loser each year and this is currently held by Oliver Bales, of Portsmouth, who has lost a whopping 25 stones.