A GREAT-grandfather is back to his young self after shedding the pounds which he put on after a battle with cancer.

Self-confessed sports enthusiast George Hinchcliffe suffered a knock to his confidence after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005.

Now in remission, the 75-year-old who lives in Westhoughton, said the diagnosis affected him mentally and physically.

He said: "I ran marathons, played football, and cricket into my 40s and swam. I was captain of my golf club in 1997

"But after the after the operation my life changed. It affected my confidence and I started staying in around the house, reading the paper and watching the television.

"I used to be fit and athletic before then.

"My wife said I should go to Slimming World with her. I said it wasn't for me a few times but I'm so glad that I did go."

Mr Hinchcliffe started the weight loss programme just over a year ago weighing 18 stone and 3.5 lbs. In 14 months he lost five stone and reached his target weight of 13st and 10lbs.

The father-of-two, who has four grandchildren and one great grandchild, says his life has been transformed since losing the weight.

Mr Hinchcliffe, who is well known in the area through having run the Little Chippy in Hindley Green for more than 20 years, said: "We go walking every day and do Tai Chi. My energy levels are up and I can do so more now. My son said he had got his dad back."

He said: "When I first started, there were not many men in the group but there are more now.

"People should not be nervous about joining. Everyone is very welcoming and understanding and Anita Spibey, who runs it, is brilliant.

"Losing the weight makes you feel better in mind and body and it is never too late to do it. I am proof of that, I am 75."

Mr Hinchcliffe's wife Jean, aged 73, joined the group weighing 14st and 6.5lbs, and lost two and half stone.

She said: "I had been taking medication for type two diabetes but since losing the weight and through diet my doctor has taken me off the medication and now I am monitoring it. That is through losing the weight. Our doctor says joining Slimming World is the best thing we had ever done."

The two won the group’s Couple of the Year Award, with Mr Hinchcliffe winning the Man of the Year Award, and Mrs Hinchcliffe the Woman of the Year Award.

They still remain members of the group, based at Hope Church in Westhoughton.

Mr Hinchcliffe said: "It is a fantastic group and I now help other people in the group. There is no quick fix and you have to put the work in, I didn't set myself a target at first."

Mrs Spibey, who runs the group on Tuesday mornings, said: “They walk for miles every single day and enjoy the fitness classes to. The difference Slimming World has made to their lives is unbelievable. Their son said he feels he has got his dad back.

“They are very well loved and respected in the group, they are looked up to by everyone.

“They are an absolute inspiration and I am super proud of them both.”