A Whitchurch Slimming World recently celebrated her work, and the company's half-century, by meeting TV presenter Rylan Clark-Neal.

He co-hosted the annual Slimming World Awards with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, who opened her first Slimming World group in 1969.

Over the last 50 years the business has grown to become the UK's leading group-based weight-management organisation, today supporting nearly one million slimmers.

Tina Hayward, who runs a Slimming World group in Whitchurch and also Wem, was delighted to get a chance to meet Rylan and was a wonderful way to round off a great year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my members," she said. "Not only have they lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2018 – with many of them hitting their target weights – they’ve also improved their health, boosted their confidence and are heading into 2019 with new healthy habits that will stay with them for life.

“Watching people change before my eyes and start being able to do things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight absolutely amazes me.

Every week I feel privileged to play even a small part in supporting people towards these achievements and to celebrate with them, so I felt especially honoured to represent my members at the Slimming World Awards.

"Rylan was blown away by the difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives too.”

Rylan said he was thrilled to meet Tina at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

“I met so many people who had lost incredible amounts of weight and made a huge difference to their lives," he added. "Every one of them spoke passionately about how they couldn’t have made those changes to eat more healthily and become more active without the support of their consultant and group every week, so people like Tina are clearly worth their weight in gold.”

Tina continues: “We’re hoping our Golden Year will be even more successful and we have a string of exciting activities planned to celebrate our 50th birthday in style, including the launch of brand-new websites and apps, golden events and special publications.

“So, this New Year I truly believe that joining a local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight, learn new habits and make long-term healthy changes."

To make your weight-loss dreams come true, call Tina on 07894225813 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest group.