A GROUP of Andover weight loss consultants met comedian Paddy McGuinness during a national awards ceremony.

The group of Slimming World consultants met the television presenter when he co-hosted the company’s awards evening.

Bolton-born Paddy, who shot to fame in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights alongside school friend Peter Kay before becoming a popular stand-up comedian and presenter on shows including ITV1’s Take Me Out, said: “I have to admit the most I knew about Slimming World before the awards was a gag in Peter’s routine that refers to Slimming World as being £1 cheaper than its competitors!

“Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives.

“At the ceremony I met lots of people who’d lost incredible amounts of weight and it had totally changed their lives.

“Every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have done it without the support of their Slimming World group and their consultant.”

He added: “Before I started working in comedy I was a fitness instructor so I know how important it is to look after yourself, but equally I know it’s not always easy to motivate yourself. So, having the help and support of someone to keep you on track and be there with advice when you need it really is invaluable.”

Slimming World consultant Vickie Gallagher said: “Obviously the most important thing of all is that our members have lost weight and improved their health throughout 2013 and we’re so proud of all of the slimmers in the area – many of them have achieved their target weights and been able do things they never thought possible before slimming down, including doing more with their families, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or simply fitting in smaller-sized clothes. And they’re helping their entire family to eat more healthily too.

“We’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too – we’ve held parties in group, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey.”