Being the best at losing wouldn’t normally help you scoop and award - but for one Carlisle man this is exactly how he managed to win Greatest Loser 2020 at Slimming World.

Ian Robertson who lives in Silloth is a member of a Carlisle Slimming World group, he has lost a life changing 7 stone 2lb to take the title of Greatest Loser, which is awarded to the member who has lost the most weight, and feels great as a result.

Mr Robertson said: “I’m proud of being a loser when it feels this good. I feel like a new man since losing weight - in fact I look so different that people who haven’t seen me for a while often can’t believe I’m the same person.

“I have to say though, it’s the change on the inside that’s been the greatest - I’m happier, healthier and much more confident now.”

The proud 50-year-old joined the Sunset Suite group at Carlisle United which is run by Emma Davies in October 2018.

Mr Roberston added: “M weight impacted on so many aspects of my life, from struggling to find clothes that I like to fit to not being able to do simple everyday tasks without feeling tired and out of breath.

“Before I lost the weight I just existed, now I’m full of life and can do so much more.”

Mr Robertson’s weight was also putting a huge strain on his health. After finding his local group on Slimming World’s website he decided to join a group in Carlisle.

“I was nervous when I first walked through the doors at my group; I was embarrassed about my size and scared that I might be the biggest person there and the only man,” he continued.

“Everyone was so friendly, especially my consultant Emma and I was so relieved when I found out that my weight was confidential - I’d had visions of having to tell everyone how much I weighed.

“I’ve made so many friends at the group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week.

“We all support each other with recipes and tips and if anyone is ever struggling, we are always there to remind each other how far we’ve come.”

Emma Davies who runs multiple groups in Carlisle is proud of Mr Robertson. She said: “I feel so privileged to have played a part in Ian’s transformation.

“Watching him blossom each week has been wonderful and I hope this success will inspire other people in Carlisle who’d like to lose weight and become happier and healthier to take action.

“There’s always a warm welcome waiting at Slimming World."

Each of Slimming World’s 19,000 groups in the UK and Ireland has their own Greatest Loser 2020 and winners will go forward to the national competition. Mr Robertson is now waiting to find out if he’s in the running for the £3,000 cash prize.