A BRADFORD slimmer has scored national recognition after losing 14 stone.

Richard Whitehead, 47, was one of just 38 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World's Man of the Year 2017 competition after his weight loss, where he met former England defender Wayne Bridge.

He slimmed from 26st to 12st at the Hunsworth Slimming World group.

Mr Whitehead said: "It took quite a lot for me to admit that I had a weight problem to begin with, so actually deciding to do something about it and join my local Slimming World group was another big step.

"Thankfully I came to the conclusion that my health and happiness was the most important thing and plucked up the courage to go along that first time.

"Steak and chips, cooked breakfasts and curries are all still on the menu, I've just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat.

"I was a bit hesitant to tell people I was going to a slimming group at first, but once they noticed I was losing weight, the results spoke for themselves and I didn’t get any of the comments I expected."