A GROUP of Sidmouth women have shed a total of five stone and in the process raised �500 for charity. The 12 week sponsored slim was held at Sidmouth Leisure Centre and special prizes were awarded to Mandy Dowling for raising the most money and Sandra Cod

A GROUP of Sidmouth women have shed a total of five stone and in the process raised �500 for charity.

The 12 week sponsored slim was held at Sidmouth Leisure Centre and special prizes were awarded to Mandy Dowling for raising the most money and Sandra Cody who lost the greatest percentage of her original body weight.

The money raised will be donated to the fundraising pot of Sidmouth Swimming Pool's duty manager, Andy Mackie, who is trekking along the Great Wall of China to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Nicky Rendell, health and recreation officer for Leisure East Devon, said: "The Fire Fighters Charity is a great cause and a sponsored slim seemed like a good way of raising money whilst at the same time helping these women achieve their weight loss and fitness goals."

"Friends, family and leisure centre members have been very supportive and we're very pleased with the amount of weight lost and money raised. We hope Andy has a fantastic time in China and that the Trek raises lots more money for the cause."

Sidmouth Leisure Centre is launching a new 12-week Health and Weight Management course on Wednesday, April 15. For more information call Nicky on (01395) 577679.