EAST Lancashire members of Weight Watchers are the slimming champions of the country.

Members of 92 East Lancashire Weight Watchers meetings have shed thousands of pounds in weight - more than any other county in the country in the last 12 months.

Jan Matthews, Weight Watchers' area service manager for East Lancashire, who received an award for the county's efforts from Linda Heutt, vice president of Weight Watchers UK Ltd, said: "We are the top in the country for weight loss. The amount of weight lost is phenomenal.

"Lancashire members have done exceptionably well. They are an inspiration to would-be slimmers and a shining example of what can be achieved."

Each Weight Watchers' leader in East Lancashire received a certificate for their efforts with class members.

Jan added: "A lot is down to the individual leaders who are helping to motivate the members. This achievement shows what can be achieved through a healthy eating plan and a little bit of exercise."

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