A slimming duo are getting ready to shine this Christmas party season after achieving an eight stone weight-loss between them since January.

Paula Bennett, who has lost two stone, was voted as the Amar Hall Slimming World group’s Miss Slinky 2018, while Martyn Heather who has lost six stone, was named the group’s Mr Sleek 2018 after their fellow members were impressed by their achievements.

Paula was 10st while Martyn was 19st.

Slimming World’s annual Miss Slinky and Mr Sleek competitions recognise those members who have transformed inside and out by becoming healthier and happier, slimmer and more confident, and who look great in their Christmas party clothes.

The national winners of both titles will each win a £2,000 cash price.

Paula, 56, of Fleet Estate, Dartford, has dropped to a size eight dress size and now been at her target weight for six months.

She said: “I was already really looking forward to this Christmas with the family and feeling confident enough to wear outfits that I couldn’t or wouldn’t have last year.

"Winning the title of Miss Slinky means I have even more to celebrate and I know this festive season will be extra special.”

Martyn, 56, also of Fleet Estate, has lost 10 inches from his waist and is 2lbs from his personal target weight.

He added: “Being voted for by the other members of the group is really great because it’s thanks to them and their support – and our consultant Sarah – that we’ve stayed committed to losing weight.

"As a man, joining a slimming group is quite a nerve-wracking decision, yet I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

The pair began following Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan, which encourages members to satisfy their appetite on healthy foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish, fruit and veg and more.

Paula and Martyn continued to enjoy their favourite foods but made sensible swaps - for example buying lean cuts of meat, or swapping oil for a lighter alternative.

Sarah Carfora, who runs the Saturday morning Dartford Slimming World group which Paula and Martyn attend, is extremely proud of both slimmers.

She said: "Nothing is off limits, it’s about balance and making sensible choices without ever feeling hungry or deprived.

"Friends and family are stunned with the transformation and the grandchildren are benefitting from the bundles of energy from these superstars."

The group will start meeting at Oakfield Primary Academy in Oakfield Lane this Saturday, after a recent change of venue.