A SVELTE slimming group leader from Harwood has been put forward for a national award.

Claire Hunter joined Slimming World as a member in May 2013 and slimmed down from 15 stone 1.5 lbs to 10 stone in just 18 months despite going through early menopause.

After her weight loss success the mum-of-two took over the reins of the group in October and already the 60 members have lost more than 54 stone between them.

Despite her short time there she has been nominated for for Slimming World's Consultant Slimmer of the Year and will go forward to the national finals at Slimming World's Derbyshire head office in February. If she wins she will receive a £2,000 prize as well as the national title.

On top of that, her group has won an award for being the Best Warm and Friendly Group in November.

Ms Hunter said: "Since I have taken over the group it has gone from strength to strength – it has been the best decision I have ever made. I am so pleased just to have been put forward for the award, whether I win or not.

"I am also really pleased we have been crowned the most warm and friendly group. That is the atmosphere that I really wanted to create when I took over."

The Saturday morning group is moving from its usual place at the Holiday Inn in Higher Bridge Street to its new home at Devonshire Road Primary School in Devonshire Road from January 3.