STARS of the soap world and Slimming World have come together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the UK's favourite weight loss club.

Launceston Slimming World Consultant Kate Elston, got the chance to meet Margaret Miles-Bramwell, the woman who founded Slimming World in 1969, and former Hollyoaks and Holby City star Jeremy Edwards.

Jeremy, who took part in this year's Dancing on Ice show on ITV1 until he became the third contestant to be voted off in January, was guest of honour on the Bristol leg of Slimming World's Ruby Tour, which saw Margaret travelling around the UK and meeting some of Slimming World's 2,500 Consultants as part of the company's 40th anniversary celebrations.

He said: "I've been really lucky to meet a lot of inspirational people since I started working in television but what Kate and Margaret have achieved is incredible. They make such a difference to people's lives. It's been a pleasure to meet them both."

Kate, who runs weekly Slimming World groups at St Johns Ambulance Hall, Launceston and East of The Water School, Bideford, was one of 185 consultants who attended the event at the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.

Kate said: "It was a really special day. Having the chance to meet and find out what inspired Margaret to start Slimming World 40 years ago was wonderful. So many of our members tell us that joining Slimming World and losing weight without going hungry or feeling deprived has changed their life, so to think that Margaret had the vision all those years ago is amazing."

Margaret added: "Slim­ming World has changed the face of slimming in this country and that was my ambition. People now treat slimmers with more respect and understanding. It's the best job in the world, being able to help people change their lives — and consultants like Kate are the people who make Slimming World the amazing success that it is. These events are probably more exciting and enjoyable for me than for the consultants. I love meeting them and hearing all about their members and groups and how they are changing peoples' lives and health."