Slimming World members in Sidmouth have started 2016 with new-found confidence, after losing a combined total of 603 stone last year.

Some 180 to 200 members dropped on average three stone by attending one of the five weekly sessions.

The group’s weight loss equates to 3.8 tonnes, the size of an adult killer whale.

Slimming World consultant Jon Borowik, who himself lost six stone in the run-up to his wedding, said that slimmers have lost an extra 70 stone compared to the group loss in 2014.

Jon said: “Successful weight loss isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about keeping it off too.

“Making temporary changes and going on a diet that’s unsustainable in the long-term will only ever be a quick fix.”

Jon said that members who had joined in 2015 were noticing the difference.

He said: “One member who joined in July received her three-and-a-half stone award days before Christmas.

“Another who joined in January has lost three stone and is now off her diabetes tablets and no longer has pain in her arthritic hips and knees.”

The 26-year-old has offered members seven top tips for maintaining or losing the pounds.

The advice includes never going hungry, writing a weekly plan and getting active.

The consultant also urged members not to feel guilty if they go off track.

Jon said: “When that happens, it’s easy for us to give ourselves a hard time for not being able to stick with it.

“However, learning to be kinder to ourselves and recognising that we’re only human and all have lapses at times can make it easier to get back on track with achieving our weight loss dreams.

“If you really want to live happy for the long term, the key is to make healthy, realistic changes to your lifestyle that you can keep up for the rest of your life.”

Jon runs groups at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday evenings in the St John Ambulance Hall.