SUPER slimmers in Upton, Chester have lost a whopping 868 stone in weight during 2018 – that's equivalent to more than five cars or 21 baby elephants.

The 270 members who regularly attend the group every Wednesday, led by consultant Steph Ellis, follow the Slimming Worlds Food Optimising eating plan created by the organisation's team of expert nutritionists, which encourages them to fill up on satisfying foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, pulses and fruit and veg.

Lucy Oakley, who has lost 2 stone 10lb to drop from size 14 to 8-10, said: "Filling up on lots of satisfying foods means you're never hungry so I've never felt as though I'm on a diet.

"Before I joined Slimming World I thought losing weight meant going to the gym and counting calories. But now I know it's about making healthier choices about food and becoming a bit more active.

"Reaching this milestone as a group just proves the huge change that we've all made to our lives, some people who have lost big amounts of weight have probably saved their lives.

"It's brilliant to celebrate together as well because that's how we've been losing weight together. Every week we support and encourage each other and share tips and recipes, and on top of that we have a lot of fun.

"The support and inspiration we get each Wednesday from our consultant Steph has also been integral to our success. She lost 5 stone herself and understands the ups and downs of slimming and can offer us help and advice based on her own experience. Without her, I don't think we'd have achieved nearly as much."

Steph said: "I'm absolutely delighted that my members have lost weight so beautifully. It has made a big difference to their lives and to their while family's lives, and all of them are happier and healthier now.

"Losing weight together as a group is at the heart of what Slimming World offer and the reason why we are so successful as a group, knowing that your not alone and are supported by each other each week helps members realise that they absolutely can and do achieve their goals.

"Slimming has never been more important. There are 99,000 overweight and obese people living in the Cheshire area and I just want to help even more people to make real changes for life - there is no better job satisfaction than that."

Steph's group is held at Upton British Legion, Heath road, Upton every Wednesday at 8am, 10am, noon, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm

For further information, or to join, contact Steph on 07506 688868.