FOOTBALLERS who have taken part in a league which rewards them for weight loss have shed a staggering two-and-a-half tonnes since it launched two years ago.

Man V Fat’s Bridgwater league is continuing to prove successful for overweight men whose ultimate goal is to trim down and have a healthier lifestyle.

Roger Smith, who organises the Bridgwater league, led a registration and presentation session at 1610 Robert Blake and Elmwood Leisure to congratulate a number of members on Thursday, July 5. The group will soon start its eighth consecutive league in the town.

Roger said: “During the most recent league that started in March and ended in June, the 65 men that took part lost a combined total of 55st 4lbs.

“As you know Man v Fat Football is a weight loss programme for overweight and obese men based around a six-a-side football league where every player has the opportunity to influence the overall result, regardless of their footballing ability.

“Since starting in Bridgwater in May, 2016, local men taking part have now lost more than two-and-a-half tonnes.”

AC MealPlan won both the overall and weight loss leagues and the award for the top weight loss for an individual went to Jon Moore, who lost 4st 2lbs. Cllr Gill Slocombe, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing at Sedgemoor District Council, attended the presentation evening and was described as a “major advocate of our programme.”

She said: “To lose over 55 stone is remarkable – congratulations.”