SLIMMERS hope to shed weight and raise money for a national cancer charity in memory of a friend who died of the disease.

Susan King, 39, a shop assistant who lived and worked in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, died in September.

Slimming World's Henknowle Community Centre class, which meets at 6.30pm on Wednesdays, will hold a six- week sponsored slim in her memory.

Class leader Gillian Churm said: "I think a slimathon will be motivating because once slimmers have gone public and got people to sponsor them they want to do it for the cause as well as themselves.

"It is something we feel particularly strongly about because we all miss Susan."

To join, go to tonight's meeting or call Gillian on (01388) 776863 for details.