COMEDIAN and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness paid tribute to Fordingbridge’s Slimming World consultant Clare Cox at the annual awards ceremony at the Birmingham International Convention Centre.

Ms Cox, who has helped hundreds of people shed the pounds at the Avonway Community Centre, was recognised at the star studded event where she met the Bolton-born celebrity and Slimming World founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell.

Mr McGuinness, who shot to fame in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights alongside school friend Peter Kay before becoming a popular stand-up comedian and TV presenter on shows including ITV1’s Take Me Out, was a fitness instructor before launching into the world of comedy.

He said: “I have to admit the most I knew about Slimming World before the awards was a gag in Peter’s routine that refers to Slimming World as being a £1 cheaper than its competitors. Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference consultants like Clare make to people’s lives.

“At the ceremony I met lots of people who’d lost incredible amounts of weight and it had totally changed their lives. Every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have done it without the support of their Slimming World group and their consultant.

“Before I started working in comedy I was a fitness instructor so I know how important it is to look after yourself, but equally I know it’s not always easy to motivate yourself. “So, having the help and support of someone like Clare to keep you on track and be there with advice when you need it really is invaluable.”

Super-fan Clare said meeting Mr McGuinness was the cherry on the top of a great year for the Avonway Slimming World group: She said: “Obviously the most important thing of all is that the group have lost weight and improved their health throughout 2013 and I’m so proud of all of my members – many of them have achieved their target weights and been able do things they never thought possible before slimming down, including doing more with their families, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or simply fitting in smaller-sized clothes.

“And they’re helping their entire family to eat more healthily too. But as well as seeing stonking success on the scales, we’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year too – we’ve held parties in group, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey.

“I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds for the Avonway Slimming World group and I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us.”

She added: “I truly believe that Slimming World is the best way for people to take control of their weight this New Year.”

For details about the slimming group call Clare on 01425 653144 or visit slimmingworld.com.