THEY are the Hampshire residents who have lost a total of 1729 stone - the equivalent weight of a bus.

Now they have received an ultimate accolade.

The Hedge End Slimming World has been named Group of the Year 2017 by national weight-loss organisation Slimming World.

Members of the Hedge End group have beaten off stiff competition from 18,000 other groups run by 4,800 other slimming consultants across the UK and Ireland to win the national accolade.

This comes after the 70 members of the Hedge End group lost a total of 1729stone - the weight of an average single decker bus - since January 2017.

Claire Henderson, 52,from West End, has been a consultant for the past 19 years and leads the group in Hedge End.

She said: " I’m over the moon to win this award. I feel like I have the best job in the world running this fantastic group. I love seeing my Hedge End members change their lives and celebrate their achievements with each other. I love watching as their health and confidence blossom. Every member is made to feel 10ft tall by the time they walk out of the door thanks to the love, support and care they show one another in group. We really are one big family.”

The senior management team at Slimming World selected the winner based on the group's quality in a number of key areas including weight loss successes, buzzing and inclusive atmosphere, success from the first week, close friendships and consultants able to encourage the group.

Claire said: " The qualities are important because when they are all right and working together members lose weight and they keep wanting to come back week after week – it’s like magic!

" We are one big family and that’s why I feel they make my job a dream. It’s a pleasure to watch them grow into confident, healthy individuals and they make the Hedge End groups a delight to lead.”

The group meets at Kings Community Church on Upper Northam Road on Thursdays and at St John’s Church Underhill Centre on John's Road on Tuesdays.