THE North-East was well represented in the final of the Slimming World Man of the Year contest at the weekend.

More than 50 semi-finalists from all over the UK competed for the title at Slimming World's headquarters in Derbyshire.

All of the former fatties were congratulated by actress Claire King, who plays Karen Betts in TV's Bad Girls.

Semi-finalist David Andrew, from Newcastle, was among them.

Mr Andrew attends a class run by Linda Waugh every Wednesday at The Station, Killingworth, Northumberland.

He said: "Losing more than three stone with Slimming World was reward enough, and meeting Claire was certainly the icing on the cake for me."

Other finalists from the region included Jason Wigham, who attends Gillian Churn's class held at the Elim Pentecostal Church, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Thursday evenings.

David Middleton, of Billingham, Teesside, who goes to a class in the Rievaulx Resource Centre run by Brenda Armstrong on Mondays, said: "I felt quite unsure about joining a slimming club at first, but as soon as I walked through the door everyone made me feel so welcome."

Ms King was full of praise for the slimmers. She said: "These guys have made a fantastic achievement.

"They are a real inspiration to men everywhere, who may feel unhappy about their weight."

This year's title went to 43-year-old Greg Byrne, from Lancashire, who lost nine-and-a-half stone.

Details of North-East classes are available by phoning 08700 7546 669, or through the website at www.slimming-world.com