The couple after losing nearly six stones between them.	Hugh and Clara Crookshanks before they lost weight.

A LOCAL couple who have shed nearly six stone between them have made it through the finals of slimming competion.

Hugh and Clara Crookshanks have been celebrating this week after hearing that they have been nominated in the national finals of the 'Mr and Mrs' Slimming World 2008 competition.

Hugh and Clara are members of the Lisburn Slimming World group which runs on Thursdays at Lisburn Racquets Club. They were amongst 26 couples from all over the UK to attend the Slimming World's head office in Derbyshire, where they received champagne and certificates to congratulate them for their achievement. The 26 couples lost a staggering 185 stone 5Ib between them.

The couple said: "We were delighted to get through to the national final of the competition and hear everyone's stories. We both follow Food Optimising, Slimming World's healthy eating plan and have been amazed at how much we can eat and lose still weight."

Amanda Hartley, who runs the Lisburn Slimming World Group, commented: "l'm so proud of Hugh and Clara, they've done really well and the whole group are really excited that they've got so far in the national competiion. They are fantastic role models for all of us."

jenny.monroe@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
21/03/2008