A GRANDMA from Darwen has been recognised as one of the most successful slimming coaches in the country.

Weight Watchers leader Ann Ward helped 66 people reach their ‘target weight’ in the first half of this year, which made her the top performer in the company’s Area 17, which corresponds roughly with the Lancashire boundary.

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In total her groups lost an amazing 8,000lbs between them.

The 74-year-old runs four groups at the New Methodist Church in Darwen, and one at The Carus Centre in Hoddlesden, and 42 per cent of the members lost at least five per cent of their body weight, with a third losing 10 per cent of more.

Ann, of Oldfield Avenue, who herself lost 2.5 stone several years ago, said: “My weight loss was purely about vanity and a lot of people come because they want to look good. I was horrified that I couldn’t get into a pair of trousers that were two sizes bigger than I thought I was.

“But being overweight can also contribute to all sorts of problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, so many people come because they’re concerned about their health as well. Weight loss really matters to me and I just wanted to help other people to do it too.”

The grandma-of-one and her members held their annual celebration last month, at which she was awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ from Weight Watchers for which she received a standing ovation.

In return she gave out awards to members and helpers, who also raised £300 for Diabetes UK, ‘by selling mugs with my scowling mug on to keep them to their Filling and Healthy Weight Watchers Plan’, Ann said.