A slimmer has lost more than nine stone on a healthy eating diet - and gained £500 for it!

Paul Freeman, 52, of Sheephill Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, shed nine stone, four pounds in 18 months, dropping from 23 stone, seven pounds in November 2003 to 13 stone, 12 in 2005.

Paul's amazing weight loss saw him make the national finals of Slimming World's Male Slimmer of the Year competition where, out of 60 contestants, he finished in the top 10.

Paul said his weight problems started when he bought his first car and stopped walking to work every day. As his weight increased he ignored pleas from friends and family to cut back.

He eventually became aware that, because of his weight, he could be perceived as lazy at work and when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure he became more concerned about his health.

The death of his dog Winston, age six, from a heart attack also affected him as Paul had only been able to walk him for 400 yards at a time because of his weight.

The final push to lose weight came when an old friend died of bowel cancer.

Paul, finance director of Pontins Ltd and Classic Lodges, said: "There was I, standing there at over 23 stone as he was buried, and I was abusing myself with food and drink.

"I realised that I needed help badly, all the warning signs were there, that's when Slimming World came to the rescue."

Paul joined the club at St Bede's Church, Clayton-le-Woods, on the advice of his sister-in-law, who had lost weight there.

He started eating a healthier diet cutting out stodgy foods and eating more meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and salads, although he admits that his favourite meal is still egg, chips and beans.

He said he was spurred on by wife Jean 53, his daughters, Sharon, 32, and Lucy, 17, and sons, Steven, 27, and Michael, 25.

He also got help fighting temptation from Carol Webb who works at his office canteen.

Paul's weight dropped off and his blood pressure returned to normal because of his better diet and exercise including swimming and walking.

He said: "My family are really proud of me and so many people helped me. It's wonderful.

"The best way to describe how I feel is summed up by my surname Freeman. I feel like a 'freeman'. Free from all that weight and the way of life."