While statistics show that people around the country have put on weight during the pandemic, one group of men are bucking the trend.

The men from Maryport and district have smashed their weight loss goal and have shed a whopping 35 stone between them.

Lorry driver John Kirkbride started choosing healthy snacks and saw his weight plummet by just two pounds short of nine stone.

Ian Sievewright ran marathons to support charities and has lost six stone as a result.

Meanwhile, Nathan Goodwin is five stone lighter

Michael Moore, the husband of Slimming World consultant Sharon, has lost four stone.

Thomas Irving has not only lost two stone and seven pounds, but is now in complete control of his diabetes. Alan Shaw has lost the same and “newbie” Steven Newton has already lost one stone and seven pounds.

Consultant Sharon, who has herself lost over five stone, said she ran weekly virtual classes since March, supporting members in every way she could.

Even though these men were not able to attend real classes, they all stuck to their eating plans. Sharon said: "They have been fantastic.”

All the slimmers from Maryport and surrounding town areas are making a comeback as their Slimming World group has reopened and is operating within Government guidelines.

“I am delighted to be back,” Sharon said.