SLIMMERS from Devizes have shown they not only know how to lose weight but how to keep fit and raise money for charity as well.

Members of Slimming World groups in the town took part in their own Race For Life event and have helped to raise more than £2,000.

The Devizes members along with others from Trowbridge took part in the event at Southwick Country Park and were cheered on over the 5K course by family and friends.

Some supporters even joined in the race itself.

Kim Heath, who runs the Devizes Nursteed School Slimming World groups every week, said: “It was a fantastic event. A big thank you to Tesco’s for donating bottles of water for the event and Hope Nature Centre for the use of the facilitites.

"The atmosphere was electric. Everyone was so supportive of each other, just as they are whenever our group gets together, and we saw young, old, male and female participants enter, all with a broad range of abilities and fitness levels.

"Entrants could run, walk, or skip across the finish line – whatever they wanted – as long as they enjoyed it we didn’t mind at all."

She said that before joining the slimming classes many did little exercise but all 130 racers managed to complete the course.

She said: "The event aimed to raise awareness of how keeping a healthy weight can improve health, including reducing the risk of developing ten types of cancer, and raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK."

The local Slimming World race was part of a wider national event running across all Slimming World groups between July 9th and 24th.

Mrs Heath said: "I’m so pleased with how much we raised for Cancer Research UK and I think the event showed people just how motivating being part of a Slimming World group like ours can be.

"Many of our members wouldn’t have dreamed of even wearing a pair of trainers before they lost weight, and now look at them. It’s all thanks to the amazing support they give each other in group that has helped them to lose weight by eating more healthily and build their confidence and find more energy to move more each day. Now they’re all fantastic role models to their friends and families.”

Among those taking part was Harriet Jones who said: "It’s a cause very close to my heart and it was really important that I crossed that finish line, however long it took me.

"I used be so daunted just by the thought of exercise. I managed to run most of the distance and with the support of my partner and young son who were cheering us on from the sidelines. There’s no rule that says being active has to involve a gym or running shorts – walking to collect the kids from school, gardening or hitting the dance floor on a night out is enough."