A Sandbach man has been crowned 'man of the year' in his slimming group after losing nearly two stones in weight.

Contract manager, Arnie Cartwright, from Warmingham, shed the weight in just 12 weeks. 

And now the plucky slimmer is urging other men to take up the challenge and follow in his footsteps if they need to lose weight.

Arnie joined Slimming World's Saturday early morning class 7.30am Saturday run by Sharon Pipe who herself lost two stone in weight.

Sharon said: "Arnie is a real asset to the group. His man of the year award shows his commitment to the plan and to his weight loss.

"He's always got a smile on his face and is so positive about his weight loss, he's a real inspiration.

Arnie before he lost the weight. (Photo: Sharon Pipe)

"It's a pleasure to have him in the group and I know the other members feel the same way."

Arnie has lost one stone 13lbs in just 12 weeks and says he's not stopping there.

He wanted to lose weight for a long time but couldn't find an eating plan that worked for him.

His daughter had encouraged him to try Slimming World, but he had always been reluctant to give it a go, thinking it was just for women and that he wouldn't 'fit in'.

When his GP told him that his weight was contributing to his Type 2 diabetes and that it was likely that his health would deteriorate if he didn't lose weight, Arnie decided that it was time to do something.

His GP offered him the chance to have 12 weeks' membership with Slimming World paid for using the referral scheme in place.

Arnie decided to give it a go and contacted Sharon to ask if he could join the group.

Sharon Pipe who runs the group Arnie lost weight through is delighted with his achievement. (Photo: Sharon Pipe)

"Sharon was so welcoming and told me to just come along and find out about the plan, and then decide if it was something I wanted to try. There was no pressure," says Arnie.

"When I got to the door on the first morning. I was very apprehensive about walking in. But as soon as I walked in, I knew I'd made the right decision. I was made to feel really welcome by everyone."

Sharon says Arnie is a real asset to the group and is urging other male would-be slimmers to come forward.

"There's a lot of men out there who don't know where to turn for help. They always get a warm welcome at any group."

Sharon's Slimming World group is held at Marriott House (by the bowling green in Sandbach Park) every Saturday at 7.30am and 9.00am.

If you'd like to know more about how you can claim 12 weeks free or how to join Sharon's group, call her on 07702 048915.