Two members of Steventon's Slimming World group have been sharing how they managed to lose 23 stone between them.

Guided by weight-loss expert Nicola Ireland, Niccy and Niki both won the Two Together competition, which commends the support they provided each other during their weight-loss journey.

Ms Ireland said: "Niccy and Niki’s stories are so inspiring and show the pleasure we all get from the food we eat and the support our members give each other – in group we’re passionate about supporting each other by sharing tasty, delicious fuss-free slimming recipes made from everyday foods that all of our members love.

"Niki and Niccy are both incredibly inspirational and are extremely supportive to each other and of course the other members in the group."

Niccy joined Slimming World in May 2021, after receiving a 12-week referral from Achieve Oxfordshire, as she was determined to tackle her weight issues.

She said: "It started when I was watching Niki losing weight week after week and achieve regular awards.

"Her [Niki's] success was so inspiring and motivating for me.

"Just being heard and understood is amazing."

Ms Ireland continued: “I remember the day Niccy walked through the door, she was unable to walk further than a few steps and had to have a chair near the door to sit and wait to weigh.

"She was determined from the start coming in 8.5lb lighter in her first week and losing her first 5st in just five months.

"She has lost 14 stone to date, to totally change her life.

"She has more energy, and now comes in and helps me set up the group.

"She is now able to enjoy activities with her grandchildren - something she could have only dreamed of before she lost the weight."

Niki, who joined in January 2022 to shed weight gained from pregnancy and lockdown, has been benefitting from Slimming World's food optimising plan.

Niki lost seven lb in her first week and has now lost a total of nine stone.

She said: "I met Niccy the first week I joined the group and right from the start she has been so inspiring to me.

"We regularly message each other and quite often just that message of support is enough to keep you on track.

"I can honestly say that I may have lost weight with Slimming World but I’ve gained a friend in Niccy."

Ms Ireland said: "With Slimming Worlds food optimising plan you can lose weight without cooking separate meals for the family, nothing is off limits so there’s no feeling of deprivation and you can enjoy eating out with your friends and family."