An award-winning weight loss expert is helping to change the lives of slimmers in Street after taking over the village's Saturday morning Slimming World group.

Rachel McDermott became a member herself in 2016, successfully losing three stone before becoming a consultant for the UK's largest group-based weight loss organisation a year later.

The mum-of-one recently moved to Somerset after nearly three years of running groups in North Essex, where she supported hundreds of members each week.

But Rachel can now be found at the Victoria Club in Street every Saturday morning where she is helping with members' weight loss.

She said: "I am delighted to be leading the group and I'd like to thank the existing members of the group for making me so welcome.

"I want anyone who's worrying about their weight or health – especially if they've put on a few extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group, just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome.

"Our way of losing weight isn't about going hungry – our eating plan is extra easy, very delicious and super generous. And moving more doesn't mean running marathons – unless you want to, of course.

"Our groups are hubs of recipe-swapping, idea-sharing and problem-solving activity. Through our weekly sessions, you'll discover how to identify the stoppers and potential pitfalls that could send you off track – or that have maybe prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals in the past – and learn to develop strategies to overcome them."

Rachel took on the group through Slimming World's virtual platform which was rolled out during lockdown when physical groups were forced to close due to the pandemic.

She is now, however, putting measures in place to ensure the group complies fully with government and local guidance so that members feel safe at all times.

"Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can," said Rachel.

"This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we'll be asking members to book in to before attending.

"What hasn't changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being in it together week on week.

"As well as looking forward to that feeling of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can't wait to welcome new members in Street to our groups too.

"Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight Covid-19, and the Government announcing new plans to tackle obesity across the UK – which Slimming World are very proud be part of.

"Plus, we know many people's routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices.

"The new healthy habits you'll discover will soon become habits of a lifetime, and there really is no better time to start afresh when it comes to developing new lifelong healthy habits around food and activity because, as many of the members of my groups have seen, when you lose weight you're already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health."

The group meets at the Victoria Club on Leigh Road every Saturday morning and booking is essential. For more information or to reserve a space, contact Rachel on 07495 854444.