MEMBERS of a Salisbury slimming group have celebrated their lost pounds by donating pounds to charity.

Stratford Road Slimming World group lost almost 3,000lbs, close to the weight of a MD Explorer 902, the helicopter used by Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The group decided to donate their change from the weekly fee to the air ambulance.

Consultant Jenny McNally said: “Every year we vote for a local charity to support with the 5p change from the weekly fee, and at the beginning of 2013 my members chose Wiltshire Air Ambulance. They lost a total of 2,948lbs in 2013, which is almost the empty weight of a MD Explorer 902. I was amazed.”

She presented a cheque for the 3,419 five pence pieces donated during the year.