TWO college workers who shed stones in weight are persuading others to join their health drive.

Natalie Johnson, the college's community learning administrator, from Shildon, and Sharon Proud, the community learning officer, who lives in Bishop Auckland, have lost 70lbs and dropped six dress sizes since they decided on a drastic change of lifestyle in January last year.

They started going to fitness sessions in the college gym run by sports lecturers Barry Dawson, Iain Leckie and Kevin Shattock.

They joined the college's Healthy Working Group, which promotes healthy eating and fitness to students and staff.

Sharon said: "We started out doing this for our own wellbeing and it has been hard at times but we are really keen to share our experiences with everyone at the college and show them what can be achieved when you put your mind to it."