A GROUP of North Yorkshire women have succeeded in their attempt to get slimmer for Christmas.

Between them, the ten women, who attend Slimming World classes across the county, have lost 40 stones - equivalent to 560 Christmas puddings.

Six of them - Pam Lyon, Michelle Peirse, Emma Allison, Kendra Christina, Michelle Purcell and Emma Jeff -have been voted class finalists and have been put forward for entry into a national Slimming World competition, with the chance to win a holiday to Disneyworld. They lost a total of 22st 7lbs.

They were supported in their efforts by Slimming World consultants Donna Parkinson, Sharon Bartram, Emma Driffield and Lisa Raw, who brought the total to 40 stones.

Ms Parkinson said: "We had a saying in our classes that this year we were going to be Christmas crackers and not Christmas puddings.

"Losing weight is never easy, and these women have shown a lot of determination and hard work.

"They never started Slimming World to win a competition, but their fellow class members have put them forward for the competition as they are such an inspiration."

To join a Slimming World group, call Ms Parkinson on (01677) 425681.