GLOWING tribute has been paid to a Cross Hills Slimming World consultant by singer and TV presenter Peter Andre.

Pauline Howard met the heartthrob at the organisation's annual awards ceremony, at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Mr Andre co-hosted the event with Slimming World's founder and chairman, Margaret Miles-Bramwell.

"I was thrilled to meet Pauline – she and people like her are very special," he said.

"Everyone who had lost amazing amounts of weight and transformed themselves were inspirational but they all spoke passionately about how they couldn't have made the changes without the support, advice and encouragement of their consultants and groups.

"It was an honour to be invited to present the awards."

Pauline – who runs a group at St Peter's Church Hall, Cross Hills, every Monday – said the presence at the event of the Aussie star was "extra special".

"Cuddling up to Peter was a real treat!" she added.

"He was bowled over by the difference Slimming World makes to people's lives and it reminded me what an important and privileged role I have as a consultant.

"I couldn't be prouder of my group members.

"Throughout last year they lost fantastic amounts of weight, with many of them hitting their targets, improving their health and boosting their confidence.

"It's so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn't think were possible before losing weight, whether that's having more energy, wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or doing more with their family and friends.

"I feel extremely lucky to play even a small part in people's achievements and was very honoured to represent the Cross Hills group at the awards ceremony."

Last year, Mr Andre supported Slimming World's most successful ever fundraising initiative, The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw.

Members across the Keighley district were among those who donated clothing which no longer fitted them, plus accessories, to Cancer Research UK.

Nationally, the venture raised £3.3 million in just a fortnight.

For more details about Slimming World, visit slimmingworld.co.uk.