A slimming expert who lost two and a half stone and set up her own weight loss group says there is no need to go hungry to lose weight.

Bev Hansey, 50, highlighted a study from Leeds University which compared women on the Slimming World plan to those on NHS Choices, which is more calorie-focused.

The study discovered those following the food optimisation plan with Slimming World lost almost twice as much as the NHS group.

Bev said: 'I tried various fads when I decided I wanted to lose weight - skipping meals, food replacement shakes and even the cabbage soup diet.

'I thought I would get quick results and I lost the weight at first but only put it back on again.'

Everything changed when she started Slimming World which promotes a balanced approach to meals.

Bev's group takes place at Long Stratton High School on Tuesdays from 7.30pm. Contact her on 07912 849995 for more information.