LOSING weight through diet and exercise proved a path to better health for one of the supporters of The Northern Echo's Chance to Live campaign.

Eddie Murphy, a councillor from Crook, delighted his doctors by losing 1st 4lbs and bringing his blood pressure down to normal.

His secret in dropping from 15st 6lbs to 14st 2lbs was to walk at least two miles every day as well as following a low carbohydrate diet.

As a bonus, he raised £200 in sponsorship for the Crook branch of the Red Cross.

Coun Murphy is a member of Wear Valley District Council, a partner with The Northern Echo, the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water in A Chance to Live, which aims to encourage people to eat healthily and exercise more.

He said: "I checked with my doctor first because I suffered from high blood pressure, but after I lost weight it has come down to normal.

"I knew I was overweight but now I feel a lot better."

Dr Stuart Findlay, chairman of the Primary Care Trust's professional executive committee, said: "This demonstrates very well how people can avoid long- term drug therapy by reducing their weight through diet and exercise.

"He will additionally have reduced his risk of developing diabetes, which is another major complication associated with obesity."