A GROUP of big-hearted charity slimmers from Okehampton and Tavistock are celebrating after losing 100 stone in six weeks —and raising lots of pounds in the process.

The members of the Okehampton and Tavistock Slimming World groups were sponsored to lose weight by friends and family as part of the club's Slim for Good campaign. They managed to raise £171.50 for Okehampton Foodbank and £145 for Tavistock Youth Café and Young Carers.

Vickie Mills, consultant for the Okehampton slimmers said: 'Taking part in Slim for Good has been a great opportunity to put something back into the local community, and make a real difference to people's weight and health at the same time.

'We're delighted to have been able to help Okehampton Foodbank and we hope that our donations make a difference and we hope more people will come along to find out more about how they can change their life too.'

Tracy Horton, consultant in Tavistock, said: 'I'm so proud of what the members in the group have achieved during the last six weeks.

'Supporting a worthwhile cause like Tavistock Youth Café and Young Carers has given everyone a special focus and real commitment to their weight loss goals. For many members being sponsored has been a great way to kick start their weight loss, and for others it's been a boost to help them stay on track.

'We pride ourselves on the care and support we give each other to lose weight — we're known as the club with the big heart. So when members started talking about raising money local causes and what we could all achieve together, there really was no stopping us. '

Okehampton's groups run at Fairplace Church on Tuesdays at 5.30pm and Wednesdays at 10am, while Tavistock's groups run at the United Reformed Church on Thursdays at 10am, 12pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.