VICAR Stephen Waters is hoping to lose seven stone to raise money to repair his leaking church hall roof. And the Rev Waters, of St Peter's Church, Penhill, is planning to do this by cutting out his favourite meal vindaloo.

Mr Waters, 53, currently weighs 20 stone. But his doctor has told him he needs to get down to 13 stone.

So he has decided to cut out the takeaways, and embrace a healthy, low fat lifestyle. To spur him on, he is getting parishioners to sponsor him.

He is hoping to raise £4,000 to repair a leaking roof on the church hall.

He said: "I'm cutting down on the junk food and alcohol.

"My favourite meals are curries and Chinese takeaways.

"It's not good for you, but everybody loves it.

"I used to have a takeaway at least once a week, and have a few beers with it.

"People might not think vicars enjoy beer and curry, but we're just the same as everybody else.

"We have the same likes and dislikes . . . and the same faults."

He has already lost one stone in two weeks, and is aiming to reach his target weight this time next year.

The roof repairs will cost around £14,000.

St Peter's Church has already raised £10,000, and Mr Waters is hoping to raise the rest.

He said it is vital that the roof is repaired.

The hall is used by many community groups, including parents and toddlers, arts and crafts groups and the Guides.

Mr Waters said: "The repairs are really badly needed. Once the roof is repaired we are hoping to carry on raising money to redecorate the hall."

Mr Waters, who joined St Peter's in September last year after working in Cheshire, became a priest 20 years ago.

Before that he worked in a paper mill and was a labourer in a garden centre, where he said he developed his bad dietary habits.

Mr Water's wife Carlyn is also joining him on his health drive.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Mr Waters should call him on 721921.

Old menu

Meat sandwiches

curry

strong lager

crisps

cake

sausage, egg and chips

New menu

Salad sandwiches

pasta and sauce

vegetable stew

low fat curries

fruit and diet lemonade