TWO keep-fit enthusiasts are celebrating after shedding 16 stones between them – the equivalent weight of an average male heavyweight boxer. Iris Wood, of Park Road, and Sally Wickham, of Avendale Road, have each lost eight stones after joining a slimming

TWO keep-fit enthusiasts are celebrating after shedding 16 stones between them - the equivalent weight of an average male heavyweight boxer.

Iris Wood, of Park Road, and Sally Wickham, of Avendale Road, have each lost eight stones after joining a slimming club in Withycombe.

Iris, 65, said she had wanted to lose weight for a long time but kept putting off joining such a group.

She said: "Everybody used to keep on at me to go on and do it and I retaliated against the idea. I then decided to join around December 2008.

"I went to see my doctor and he said 'have Christmas first and then join' and that's what I did."

Sally Wickham, 39, said: "I've wanted to lose weight for a long time and have yo-yo'd by keeping putting it on. This time, though, it felt just right.

"I have been going to the club for three years now and not gone back to my bad ways -although I do occasionally as you have to have treats from time to time.

"I have so much more energy now and confidence. I feel I can do whatever I want and there is nothing holding me back.

"I've always wanted to be the slim person and go anywhere and buy nice clothes."

Sally said the prospect of going to the club for the first time was quite daunting.

But she added: "I met a friend there who said when she first saw me my head was down but six stone later I was walking around with a smile on my face, oozing confidence."

Both Sally and Iris have previously scooped the club's Woman of the Year Award as a result of their weight-loss achievements.

Lisa Boucher, 25, the group consultant, said: "We don't concentrate a great deal on exercising but that is available in the form of a format called Bodymagic.

"Mainly, it is about healthy eating. We have certain types of food that you can eat freely - so if you're hungry there is always something to have.

"So, as opposed to other so-called diets which restrict you from eating, we tell you to eat. The free foods you can have are fruit, veg, pasta, rice, potatoes and eggs - there is loads of stuff.

"It is a long-term healthy eating plan that is sustainable for life.