PAULA and Ian Griffiths, members of Farndon Slimming World group, won the Mr & Mrs 2005 competition after only being members of the group for five weeks.

They have lost an astonishing two stone 10 pounds.

Paula said: 'We both feel so much fitter already and have been amazed by how much we can eat.'

Karen Wood, the group's new consultant said: 'Watch this space, as the couple may qualify for next year's national competition if they continue at this rate.'

Group members Muriel Allman and Rosemary Skillen were delighted to have reached their target weights - losing more than five stone between them.

Rosemary said: 'I joined very reluctantly, I just did not feel in the right frame of mind but my friend, Doris, who has also lost more than two stone, wanted to join and she eventually persuaded me. I'm so glad now, I feel great.'

Karen Wood has only recently taken over the group.

She said: 'I was asked to cover Farndon temporarily in December and I loved the group so much that I applied to keep them. I was successful at my interview and it was wonderful to have such a lot to celebrate.

'Muriel is fantastic. She was the first member of the group to volunteer to help me and I'm sure she and Rosemary will continue to keep their target weights.'

Ring Karen on 01829 771496 for details of the Farndon group and her other group at Rhosnesni.