A Haworth couple are celebrating losing more than nine stones between them.

Ken and Sue Latta both attend the Haworth Slimming World group, run by consultant Michael Duke who has previously won his own battle against the bulge.

Mr Latta, who used to weigh 21 stones 9lb, said: “Sue and I started going to the group when it first opened in October 2009. Sue originally came along to lend me support.

“We both got into the eating plan and Sue reached her target weight in only 17 weeks losing one stone 10½ pounds, and has maintained her target weight ever since.

“She’s gone down from a size 12 to a size eight dress size.”

He said his own challenge was much tougher because he had a lot more weight to lose.

“Up to and including 2009 I was very overweight and blood tests carried out by my GP indicated I was borderline diabetic,” he said. “After seeing photos of myself on a break in Northumberland I decided I really had to do something.

“As luck would have it a leaflet landed on my doormat a few days after coming home from our break, announcing a new weight loss meeting in Haworth. I haven’t looked back since. Michael Duke has given me the support and encouragement I needed to succeed.

“I achieved my target by losing eight stones, which took me exactly two years to reach. My blood sugar levels came back to normal fairly quickly. People are amazed at the change they see in me. I’ve even had a few people not recognise me such has been the transformation.”

During his successful progression towards a better lifestyle he has been Haworth’s Slimmer of the Week 18 times and was voted Haworth Slimming World’s Greatest Loser in 2010.

Mr Duke’s slimming groups meet at 5pm and 7pm on Thursdays in the Old School Rooms, in Church Street. He can be contacted on 07545 425368.