RAY Williams was fed up at the thought of reaching his 50th birthday this year overweight and miserable.

He felt he wasn't ready for the cardigan and slippers image and still wanted to boogie.

So wife Linda persuaded him to join her slimming class -- and he hasn't looked back.

After shedding two and a half stones in just two months Ray has decided to take a pioneering step and is now set to become the area's first MALE Slimming World consultant.

And he is now aiming to reach new heights in more ways than one. Linda, herself a successful slimmer and assistant manager at Farnworth Post Office, has rewarded him with a hot air balloon flight for his success.

Ray, a credit controller, of Henfold Road, Astley, said: "I felt old before my time, but still wanted to be a bit of a raver.

"When Linda suggested slimming class my first reaction was that they were taboo, a woman orientated domain.

"After a lot of persuasion I took the plunge. I didn't relish the thought of being the only man there, but my fears were unfounded."

Ray was welcomed with open arms and everyone was so friendly that he soon relaxed into the regime.

The weeks passed and the weight dropped off. He can now get back into the bike leathers he had in his twenties -- and has decided to help other men in the same position.

He said: "I feel great again. I feel like I've taken 20 years off as well as the weight. Gone is the middle aged man my wife knew. I'm so full of energy she says it's like having a new man about the house.

"A lot of men probably feel the way I did about my weight but feel that it is not a masculine thing to change it. I hope to bring a whole new outlook to men in the community."

Ray's new classes begin on February 28 at 7pm in Worsley Methodist Church Hall.

Linda, who has been a consultant for 15 months, decided on her life change after a holiday to Florida.

Then a size 22 she found the nine hour flight to Orlando very uncomfortable, and on the way back had put on so much weight she couldn't put the tray down on her lap.

She decided she had to act and joined the Mosley Common class three years ago.

Now almost four stones lighter, still losing, and a size 14-16, Linda said: "I'd tried every diet, cabbage, banana and grapefruit etc. We now both eat healthily, and so does our daughter, Heather. When you run a class you have to keep the weight off to set an example.

"When Ray decided to join he was treated exactly like the others. As a result I now have four men in my class."

Linda's class meets at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Clifton CC, Swinton.

Further details from Ray or Linda on 01942 892660.