A former bank manager who shed 21 stone has been awarded for helping others become big losers.

Tony Orrell went from 38.5 to 17.5 stone before taking charge of two Slimming World groups in Isleworth to support others battling the bulge.

That switch from helping others accumulate pounds to helping shift them soon paid dividends.

Since the beginning of October last year, he has supported 140 people across both groups to lose a total of 146 stone and counting.

His success, and theirs, earned him a bronze award for the evening group from the national weight loss organisation, Slimming World.

Mr Orrell, who also runs a morning group, said: "I feel passionately about helping people transform their lives by losing weight in the same way I did.

"Seeing the members in my groups – mums, dads, grandmas and young people too – reach their target weight is so rewarding and receiving this award is just the icing on the cake."

Tony's Slimming World groups meet at Isleworth Working Mens Club, in St John's Road, every Wednesday at 9.30am and 7.30pm. For more information call him on 0746 8416 251.