A FUND-RAISING record breaker is already well on the way to losing his target weight as part of a sponsored slim.

Paul Dunn, 41, of Green Hill, Great Harwood, wants to lose at least two of his 21 stones to raise money for both the Royal British Legion and Green Hill Residents Association.

And at a weigh in last week - exactly a month after his diet began - doctors told a delighted Paul he had lost one stone. Paul, a security officer at Clayton Park Industrial Estate, has set himself a three month deadline to lose the weight.

He said: "I have been a big lad for years and it's just a case of trying to cut down.

"I am more or less under orders to lose weight from the doctor so I thought I might as well do it for charity."

He added: "I was absolutely delighted when the doctors told me I had lost a stone, so hopefully now I will be able to lose my target weight loss of two stone and more."

Paul, who started off with a 42ins waist and 52ins chest, attends regular weigh-in sessions to ensure the sponsorship challenge is done 'by the book'.

His plan is based around the healthy eating and consists of sacrificing beer and his favourite Chinese take-aways.

Paul successfully lost several pounds two years ago when he weighed 18 stone and is hoping to do better this time with increased walking and gentle exercise.

He already holds the fund-raising record at the Great Harwood Royal British Legion after topping the previous poppy appeal total with six volunteers who raised £3,250.

Sponsorship forms have been distributed among friends and family and several have been left in local shops where Paul is known.