75502-91A SLIMMING expert will help big friends shed some of their combined colossal weight of almost 80 stones.

Peter Kidd, of Slimming World, has offered John Donaldson and Tony Scull a free 10-week course.

During this time the expert, who slimmed down from 19 stone to 14 four years ago, will offer them healthy tips on how to diet safely.

"They are big lads but they will be able to lose weight quite easily," he said. "Slimming World has just had its annual award ceremony and there were people there who had lost 20 stone so these men could be half the size of what they are at the moment."

The friends have a larger than life presence at their locals, The Tap and Barrel and The Wheatsheaf in Swindon.

Both pubs are supporting their fundraising efforts for Prospect Hospice, Wroughton.

To help them diet, bar staff have been told not to serve them beer. And Peter, of Winchester Close, who runs classes in Stratton and Haydon Wick on Tuesdays and Thursdays, said staying off pints would help them lose weight quicker. "We don't ask people to just eat lettuce leaves it's about everything in moderation," he said.

"Over the last four years my classes have lost a total of 1,800 stone. Losing weight can transform your life, allowing you to do things like running around with the kids, that you couldn't do before."

John, who is determined to shed at least six of his 37 stones so he can squeeze into a suit before marrying Jenny Doyle, 47, in December, welcomed the offer of classes. "I'm willing to have a go," said the 44-year-old, who owns a furniture shop in Gorse Hill. "An expert will be able to point us in the right direction by telling us the best ways of losing weight."

Tony, of Hawthorne Avenue, Pinehurst, who is 41-and-a-half stone, agreed.

"I think it's brilliant," said the 30-year-old father-of-two, who would also be happy to lose about six stone. "Any help will be gratefully received."

The challenge will end in early July. To make a pledge, phone 01793 723246 or 01793 432587.

Ben Payne