TWO Slimming World consultants from North Cornwall have got the magic touch when it comes to weight loss this new year, according to TV presenter Stephen Mulhern.

Kate Elston and Lisa Doolan were delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to Stephen when he presented the annual Slimming World Awards. He co-hosted the event with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell.

Kate, who runs a Slimming World group at St Johns Ambulance Hall in Launceston every Thursday, said meeting Stephen was a wonderful way to round off a great 12 months for Slimming World, as well as a brilliant way to get ready for another successful year.

Kate said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our members. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2016, with many of them making their weight loss dreams come true by hitting their target weight, improving their health and confidence, and more.

“It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight, whether that’s having more energy and confidence, wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or doing more with their family and friends. Every week I feel so lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent our Slimming World groups when I met Stephen.”

Stephen, who presents Catchphrase, Britain’s Got More Talent and Big Star’s Little Star, said he was thrilled to meet Kate and Lisa at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

Stephen said: “I’m known for my magic tricks and there was definitely magic in the air at the Slimming World Awards. The stories I heard from people who had lost amazing amounts of weight and transformed themselves — inside and out — were so inspirational. So many slimmers talked about how their weight loss has allowed them to start really living and be the people that they always dreamed of being — doing things they previously thought they couldn’t, from running for miles to playing with their children and grandchildren.

Lisa, who runs a Slimming World group at Bude Rugby Club every Tuesday and has opened a new class on Thursday mornings at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall in Holsworthy, says that 2016 has been a big year for Slimming World, with the organisation welcoming hundreds of thousands of members and winning awards for both its food range and magazine, and hopes 2017 will be just as successful.

Lisa added: “Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year. I truly believe that joining a local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight and learn new habits. Thanks to our food optimising eating plan they’ll see big results on the scales without ever having to feel hungry or deprived, and they’ll discover a whole world of support and advice that’s sure to help them reach their targets – and have a lot of fun along the way, too! I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us.”

For more information, call Kate on 01409 221873, Lisa on 07941 460807 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk.