SLIMMERS across the region are celebrating a successful year.

Slimming World's Keighley, Settle and Skipton team says more than 500 members have achieved their target weight.

Three colleagues from the Denholme group – Caroline Pearson, Nick Simpson and Wendy Layard – all hit their weight-loss goals on the same night this month.

Together they have shed over 11 stones.

Meanwhile, Long Lee group member Charlotte Cryer has lost four stones 13lbs, taking the Woman of the Year and Miss Slinky crowns.

She said: "I've dropped four dress sizes and am now the same size I was 11 years ago – and I've had a baby!

"I have so much more energy and confidence.

"The realisation hit home when I was playing football with my nephew and it dawned on me I was running for the ball, rather than just standing waiting for it to be kicked to me!

"I have subsequently started running and completed the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k in 59 minutes – which this time last year I would have never even have dared to dream I could do.

"The group has really helped me and I have learned not to be so hard on myself when life sometimes got in the way and I didn't see the result I wanted on the scales."

She pays glowing tribute to the group consultant, Carla Weatherill, and fellow members.

"They have been so supportive and really helped me focus – I couldn't have done it without them," she said.

Carla – who is also the team developer for Keighley, Settle and Skipton – said Charlotte was an inspiration.

"She is always sharing recipes and offering support to the other members," she said.

"Her transformation has been amazing and seeing her confidence grow is truly inspirational to us all."

She added: "It has been a fabulous year for our team and the members in every single one of our groups.

"Helping so many people achieve their dream weight – and others to drop dress sizes, become more active, reduce medication and improve their health by getting a step closer to their own target weight each week – is so rewarding.

"We are looking forward to welcoming even more members in the New Year and helping change more lives."

For further information, visit slimmingworld.com or call 01274 401339.