A weight has been lifted for local slimmers following the news that Slimming World groups can stay open despite new Coronavirus restrictions.

A tightening of lockdown laws announced by Boris Johnson now makes it illegal for more than six people to gather together, following a spike in infection rates.

But as the weekly weight-loss classes are not classed as social gatherings due to Slimming World being a commercial organisation, which operates fully in accordance with COVID-secure guidelines.

Members must now book in advance to attend a session and all are being asked to wear masks, practice social distancing and use hand sanitiser on arrival.

Chairs and tables, as well as the weighing equipment, are all being cleaned between sessions and those attending are also asked not to take off their shoes for safety reasons.

Rachel McDermott, who runs sessions on a Tuesday evening at Westfield Sports & Community Centre, said: "While the tighter guidance announced this week means that some social activities are being limited, we are pleased to say that our Slimming World groups can still get together.

"That's because as well as the companionship that memembers love, we are providing a paid-for weight loss service.

"In group we're going to extra lengths to ensure that all hygiene and social distancing measures are firmly in place, including wearing face coverings during group and allowing extra time for cleaning before and in-between sessions to make sure we're all safe and sound."

Slimming World's real-life groups re-opened in August after members were supported virtually through Zoom meetings since March.

In Rachel's group alone, members shed a staggering ten stone between them in their first week back.

She said: "In just one week, the weight losses alone have shown how much our members love being together in group and how powerful that experience is to achieving such great results.

"There's nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they've missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.

"Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19, and the Government announcing brand-new plans to tackle obesity across the UK – which Slimming World are very proud to be part of. Plus, we know many people's routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices."

To book into a session or for more information, contact Rachel on 07495 854444.