A weight-loss expert from Barrow has helped more than 150 people lose weight every week.

Tracey Needham, who leads the St Aidan’s and Abbotsvale Slimming World groups, has been recognised with a bronze award from the organisation.

The award, which she has now received twice since becoming a consultant in 2021, is given to Slimming World consultants who successfully build a group of around 50 members.

The service they provide must be of a standard where members return week after week.

Ms Needham said: "I’m delighted to have received the ‘Bronze’ award again on behalf of the St Aidan’s and Abbotsvale groups.

"I feel passionately about helping people to transform their lives by losing weight in the same way that I did when I lost 8 stone with Slimming World in 2020-21.

"Losing weight made me feel happier and healthier and gave me so much more confidence.

"I became a consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I had myself.

"Seeing the members in my groups reach their target weight is so rewarding and receiving this award is just the icing on the cake."

Ms Needham’s group members have lost a combined 6,520.5 pounds (465 stone 10.5 pounds) so far this year.

The aim is to reach 500 stone by Christmas.

Ms Needham said: "The number of people living with obesity is at record levels and in Barrow in Furness it's estimated that 73.2 per cent of adults are living with obesity.

"As well as the emotional difficulties this causes, obesity is linked to many serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes and several types of cancer.

"So I’m extremely proud to be supporting people in our community each week to lose weight by eating more healthily and adopting a more active lifestyle for the long term.

"The healthy influence of Slimming World stretches right across families, too, with 75 per cent of members reporting that they have influenced their family and friends to make healthier food choices."

Slimming World is currently seeking individuals who want to inspire others to lead healthier, happier lives.

For more information, visit the Slimming World website.

For those interested in joining one of Ms Needham’s groups, they meet every Tuesday at 9am, 11am, and 5.30pm at St Aidan’s, or every Thursday at 5.30pm or 7pm.

Prospective members can visit in person or reach her directly at 07493155494, or via email at tralee68@hotmail.co.uk.