TWO slimming consultants from south Cumbria have been given a taste of the limelight at a national awards ceremony.

Karen Ann Clarke and Kay Hunter were given a chance to cuddle up to Phoenix Nights comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, who co-hosted the Slimming World event in Birmingham.

Karen Ann, who runs a Slimming World group at St Mary’s RC Community Centre, Ulverston, every Tuesday and Hindpool Community Centre, Barrow, every Wednesday, said meeting Paddy at the event, held at the International Convention Centre, was the cherry on the top of a great year for slimmers in south Cumbria.

“Obviously the most important thing of all is that the group have lost weight and improved their health throughout 2013 and I’m so proud of all of my members – many of them have achieved their target weights and been able do things they never thought possible before slimming down, including doing more with their families, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or simply fitting in smaller-sized clothes,” she said.

“And they’re helping their entire family to eat more healthily too.

“But as well as seeing stonking success on the scales, we’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too – we’ve held parties in group, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey.

“I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds for us and I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us.”

Kay runs a Slimming World group at The Shakespeare Centre Yard, Kendal, every Tuesday and The Rugby Club, Kirkby Stephen, every Wednesday.