A SUPER slimmer from Saltney has finished the year on a high after losing over three stone in seven weeks.

Since November, James Gardener has incredibly lost 3st 5.5lbs after being disgusted with how he looked in pictures.

Like many men, James thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food and talking about people’s emotions.

However, he decided to give it a try after his best friend’s wedding in August, when the pictures came back James was mortified.

James was pleasantly surprised to find that the support provided by the group was practical and the camaraderie and sense of competition appealed to him. He also enjoyed following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which is based on the science of satiety and energy density, enabling him to enjoy generous portions of healthy food to satisfy his appetite, so he didn’t have to go hungry. James said: "My mum has always been saying for years that she would like to lose weight so I thought this was a great opportunity for both of us.

"I’ve been surprised by what I can eat and still lose weight, I’m always finding free foods that I wouldn’t have thought would be okay to eat and still lose weight. I can still have a bacon butty for breakfast.’’

As the weight came off, James found he had more energy and so he was eager to use it. He added: ‘’I enjoy golf so walking up the hills of Mold Gold Club and not having to wait to catch my breath is great.’’

Eleanor Brook, who runs the Saltney Slimming World group, said: ‘’He has done brilliantly and we’re all amazed by his transformation. He’s a real inspiration to the group. We know that many men assume slimming clubs won’t be right for them, but James shows that once they come through the doors they do brilliantly.”

''Like James I would advise anyone who would like to lose weight to find the courage to take that first step.”

James joined with his mum who has also lost nearly two stone since joining in November.

The Saltney Slimming World group is held every Monday at Saltney Social Tavern at 5pm and 7pm. Anyone interested in joining the group can pop along or for more information they can call Eleanor on 07715605082.