A SLIMMER from Colne lost more than seven stone after receiving a shock when he saw his holiday snaps.

Peter Biddulph, 68, weighed in at 19st 12lbs when he returned from a family break in Cyprus in October 2014.

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But after receiving health warnings from his doctor and encouragement from his family, the retired carpet fitter joined slimming club Weight Watchers and now weighs 12st 9lbs.

The father-of-two, of Foulds Close, said: “The health benefits are just a bonus to feeling better, it’s given me a new perspective on life.

“The only downside is I’ve got a wardrobe full of clothes massively too big for me.”

Mr Biddulph had previously been riddled with weight related illnesses, including high blood pressure to knee replacements and spinal fusion surgery.

The final straw came when he was diagnosed with diabetes and doctors warned it would be too difficult for him to have injections for his back problems because of his weight.

The grandfather-of-four said: “It was a real wake up call, it had to be a turning point for me.

“I had to re-educate myself on eating, I like food and I just ate all of the wrong stuff.”

He managed a complete overhaul of his lifestyle to lose 7st 3lbs with the help of a slimming group in Nelson and decided to join the gym despite his previous knee and back problems.

He then combined his work with weights and in the swimming pool by following the Weight Watchers diet, which includes fruit, vegetables, lean meat and more appropriate portion sizes.

The Nelson-born man has now received the maximum loss certificate Weight Watchers offer, which marks the shedding of 100lbs.

He paid tribute to the group who attended the St John Ambulance Hall meetings for the incredible support they offered, in particular leader Lynda Comberbach.

Mr Biddulph said: “Trying to do it on your own without any help would be very difficult.

“People can be quite cruel really, it is an illness.

“The enthusiasm Lynda has is fantastic. I was surprised how much fun she made each session, it was something to look forward to.”

Mrs Comberbach said: “He’s done absolutely amazing. He is an inspiration to everybody and we’re so proud of him.”

Prior to losing weight Peter would frequently divulge in unhealthy food in large quantities.

He said: “I love fish and chips and pies, and I’d eat huge portions of them.

“Basically I’d eat anything and everything that’s high in fat and calories.

“It was getting to the point where I wouldn’t be able to live much longer if I carried on that way.”

However by cutting out snacks such as cakes and biscuits, and reducing portion sizes and adding vegetables, Peter discovered he could still enjoy his food and life a healthy life.