MEMBERS of several Newport based weight loss groups who have lost more than 70 stones between them during a challenge have donated bags of their clothes which no longer fit to a local charity shop.

The group, eight weeks in to a Slimathon, has been sponsored to lose as much weight as possible through the Slimming World meetings.

Consultant Katie Thomas thought giving away their clothes to the St David’s Foundation shop in Maindee would help them to keep up the weight loss, as well as benefitting a good cause. Her group at Ringland, which has 70 members, has lost around 53 stones, while those who attend the Beechwood Park Presbyterian Church class shed more than 24 stones.

Other groups taking part in the initiative are St Julians Baptist church, St Matthews Church hall and Moorland Park community centre.

Ms Thomas is planning a party at the end of the Slimathon, in a month’s time, to celebrate her group’s achievements.