A WEIGHT-loss group in Southmead is celebrating after losing more than 17 stone between them in just 12 weeks.

Run by Kara Penney at the Greenway Centre, the group of 16 have all lost weight, with the leading participant, 39-year-old Jason Wall, of Southmead, losing three stone.

Miss Penney said: "I currently work in various gyms around Bristol with people who have health problems including heart and lung disease, arthritis, obesity and diabetes. As obesity is a main risk factor for some of these diseases, I'm constantly battling to get their weight down through exercise but it is challenging due to dietary factors.

"The weight loss challenge has given me the opportunity to help people to lose weight and improve their lifestyle through dietary changes as well as through maintaining their physical activity."

The weight loss challenge is part of the Arriba Wellness Clubs, a non-profit course which gives people the guidance and motivation to make small changes to diet which have a big impact on weight and wellbeing.

The next weight-loss challenge starts on August 10 at The Greenway Centre.

For more information, call 07531 009371, email wlcbristol@hotmail.com or go to www.bristolweightloss challenge.com.