COUNCIL officer Gary Ashby has lost an amazing 12 stones in little over a year on an a free, NHS-run programme.

Mr Ashby, 30, turned to Anglian Community Enterprise, which runs health services in north Essex, for help after numerous failed diets saw his weight soar to almost 30 stones.

He got help from health trainers via the group’s award-winning free weight management programme.

The Tendring Council officer said: “I’d tried various diets and had short-term success but the weight always came back.

“I heard good things about the weight management programmes run by Anglian Community Enterprise.

“I opted for the one-to-one approach and, from the very first meeting, found the whole experience hassle-free and effective.”

When he started in July last year, Mr Ashby, weighed a fraction under 30st. He was showing the early signs of diabetes, had a constantly bad back, poor circulation and found it hard to sleep.

He said: “I knew I was eating too much and I knew I was eating the wrong sort of food.

“Food was my comfort and I couldn’t identify seeing friends without eating.

“It’s not a diet and there’s no caloriecounting – just a sensible, structured approach to how you live your life.

“I now stick to regular meals – with the occasional treat – and I exercise regularly. I walk five miles a day and have started playing badminton.”