TWO MEMBERS of the Melksham Slimming World group have been crowned as the top slimmers, shedding a combined weight of nine stone between them.

Gemma Birbeck and Simon Cotton were both voted Miss Slinky and Mr Sleek after dropping four and a half stone each since joining the group. The duo were crowned with the titles at the group’s last meeting in the Melksham Town Hall.

Miss Birbeck, 24, who has dropped from a size 18/20 to a size 10/12, says: “I learnt this time that I had to change my lifestyle for it to really work for me, but I can still enjoy a really good social life and lose weight. Also, I love being an inspiration to other members in the group and the support and encouragement that I receive for the other members is what keeps me going.”

Mr Cotton has also dropped from a 38/40 inch waist to a 32 inch waist and also an XXL to a medium, praising Slimming World for its dietary plans and meetings.

“Being voted for by the other members of the group is really great because it’s thanks to them and their support, and our consultant, that we’ve stayed committed to losing the weight that we have. As a man, joining a slimming group was a big decision and very nerve-wracking, but I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love our group as the atmosphere is buzzing every week and the support that we give each other is unlike anything I have ever experienced before,” said Mr Cotton.

With the inspirational weight loss by the pair, the organiser of the group is now seeking people who may benefit from joining.

Carmen Middleditch, the group consultant, said: “I hope they’ll inspire other people to lose weight too and show people that whether you’ve got a little or a lot of weight to lose, slimming down can make a big difference to how you feel about yourself and really boost your confidence. Gemma and Simon are both happier, healthier and fitter, and every week the group love hearing about their progress.”