A SLIMMER who transformed his life by losing nearly three stone is using his success to shape a whole new career.

Gavin Salmon, 32 from Darlington, was inspired to attend Slimming World by a friend who lost six stone through the group.

Now he is launching his own group at Firthmoor Community Centre and is looking forward to competing in the Great North Run for the second time later this month.

Since shedding the stones, Mr Salmon has also gone on to complete sponsored swims and a skydive in aid of children’s cancer charities.

He feels that his experience of losing weight and getting fit make him an ideal candidate to help others through becoming a Slimming World consultant.

He said: “Now I want to give back to the community I live in, and share what I have gained from joining Slimming World and to help my own members achieve things they dream about too, everything is possible.”

Mr Salmon’s Slimming World Group will be held at Firthmoor Community Centre every Saturday at 8.30am and 10.30am from September 10.