SLIMMING club manager Joanne Leech enjoyed some extra New Year cheer when she had the chance to cuddle up to EastEnders star Shane Richie.

For Joanne, it was a night of celebration to reward her for her hard work in helping hundreds of Worcestershire people to lose weight in the last year.

She manages more than 100 Slimming World classes, including those run by Gail Brizell and Louise Petty.

Gail holds classes at the Hill Centre, Upton-upon-Severn and the Foley Institute, Malvern, while Louise's classes are held at the Wheatpieces Centre, Tewkesbury.

Achievements

Shane, who plays the Queen Vic's rogue manager, Alfie Moon, hosted Slimming World's annual awards ceremony, recognising the achievements of its 250,000 members.

"I was blown away by the whole event. All those people who have transformed their lives by losing weight - it's a dream come true for them," he said.

Joanne said she believed January would be a record-breaking month for slimming classes, with losing weight at the top of many people's New Year wish lists.

An organised six-week slimathon to raise funds for the NSPCC would provide extra motivation, she said.