A trio of men who have lost more than nine stone between them have been recognised for their weight loss.

Sidmouth Herald: Brian Rice was named Sidmouth Slimming World's man of the year. He holds up his certificate with co-ordinator Harriet Steptoe.Brian Rice was named Sidmouth Slimming World's man of the year. He holds up his certificate with co-ordinator Harriet Steptoe. (Image: Archant)

A trio of Sidmouth slimmers, who have lost more than nine stone between them, have been recognised on a weight loss organisation’s ‘man of the year’ list.

Steve Jellyman, Brian Rice and Steve Tompkins have shed the pounds after joining their local Slimming World group, which they attend on a Saturday morning.

Brian, of Tipton St John, was crowned the overall winner after losing three-and-a-half stone.

It is his second prize this year after he and wife Lin were named Slimming World couple of the year.

Jon Borowik, a Slimming World consultant in Sidmouth, said: “Like many men, Brian thought that slimming clubs were aimed at women and assumed the focus would be on ‘diet’ food.

“However, he decided to give it a try after comments from a fellow golfer who had lost weight following the plan. After walking through the doors, Brian was pleasantly surprised to find that the support provided by the group was practical and the camaraderie really appealed to him.”

Brian, 64, said he could not have done it without the support of the group which has seen him lose eight inches round his waist.

He said: “I reached my goal I do not need to lose any more weight but I feel its very useful to go along as it keeps me on the straight and narrow.”

Newton Poppleford resident Steve Tompkins joined in May last year after he could not get his fasten his shorts and set himself a weight loss target of 12 stone 7lbs.

The 58-year-old who now weighs 12st 4lbs, said: “I didn’t want to buy new clothes so I decided I will lose weight. I feel better, it’s doing my health good and I quite enjoy buying clothes now.”

He praised consultant Harriet Steptoe, who herself has lost seven stone, and called her ‘inspirational’.

Steve Jellyman, who is Harriet’s dad, was inspired by her weight loss which he said brought his ‘vivacious’ daughter back.

The 71-year-old, who has lost three stone, said: “It is dead easy to do. It’s not a diet its just a different way of thinking about food.

Harriet said: “I’m really proud, they have done so well. Everybody has got their own reasons to lose weight, it might be a confidence thing, they’re fed up of shopping or it might be health benefits, it can be anything. Slimming World is not a diet it is a lifestyle change.”