A SLIMMING World consultant has celebrated a milestone.
Andrea Astin has clocked-up 25 years in the role.
She received a watch from the organisation's directors and was joined by members for a celebratory event, with music and Slimming World food, at Oakworth Village Hall.
Andrea began as a consultant at Christchurch, Oakworth, with a small group of slimmers.
As membership increased, sessions moved to Holden Hall – now the village hall – where the group still meets, on Wednesdays at 5pm and 7pm.
She also runs classes at the Baptist Church in Haworth, Denholme Mechanics' Institute and Keighley Church of the Nazarene.
Over the years, Andrea has helped hundreds of people to lose weight and lead healthier lifestyles. But she says she doesn't class her job as work.
"There have been many fabulous successes," she said.
"Healthy eating can reverse diabetes and I have seen members lose weight and stop their medication.
"So many members have embraced exercise and now do park runs, marathons and even more energetic efforts such as Iron Man and triathlon competitions.
"I see weekly the fabulous changes in life that losing weight can give people.
"Yes losing weight is a struggle and often people are in despair with themselves, but I hope that I inject humour and kindness into the groups to inspire my members to feel part of a support network of like- minded people all with the same aim."
She added: "Groups are thriving, but we can always accommodate more.
"I want to reach out to all those who are hurting from the misery of being overweight.
"Twenty-five years is a long time but I love what I do, and I feel so blessed that there is such a good feeling in Keighley."
Last year, Andrea was among consultants from across the district who attended the prestigious Woman of the Year Awards in Birmingham.
The ceremony was hosted by TV personality Rylan Clark-Neal and Slimming World’s founder and chairman, Margaret Miles-Branwell.
For details of Slimming World groups, visit slimmingworld.co.uk.
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