FORGET the credit crunch - 2008 was the year of the figure crunch for strong-willed dieters Bill Hughes and Fiona Wild.

And now the pair, both members of Hambleton leisure centre in Northallerton, are urging others to get over the festive excess by following their example.

When Bill was referred to the centre by his GP through the exercise referral scheme he weighed more than twenty stones, had a 52in chest and wore XXXL clothes.

As an amputee who needed two crutches he had thought that exercising was out of the question.

But now he has dropped to a 46in chest, lost ten inches from his waist and can get around with just one walking stick. "I attend the gym three times a week. It’s been hard work but I have had fun and no matter your size, ability or age it’s never too late to start exercising," said Bill, from Northallerton.

Three years ago Fiona’s weight was more than double what she is today – she was fed up of being overweight and unfit so decided to cut out sweets, cakes and crisps and follow a low GI diet with loads of fruit and vegetables. A year later she decided to take the plunge and start exercising. A programme was designed specially for her and she was encouraged her to try boxercise classes to build up her fitness and help with the weight loss. She now attends the gym five times a week.

*For more information visit www.hambleton.gov.uk or call the centre on 01609-777070