A WEIGHT loss group in north Durham has launched a six week charity slimathon.

Members of Slimming World in Consett are fighting the flab while raising money to help children.

Slimmers who join the campaign are being encouraged to get sponsored to lose weight and, for the duration of the six weeks, Slimming World will donate £1 every 1lb group members lose with all funds going to the NSPCC.

Group organiser Dawn Ferguson said: "We’re encouraging people to get sponsored because we know that commitment and motivation are super-boosted once you go public with your intentions.

"That’s why we’ve come up with a Slimmer Summerthon. We’re asking members to tell us where they’d like to be in six weeks’ time and, whether that’s half a stone lighter or a lot more confident, we’ll be working together as a group to give them all the support they need to get there. It’s possible to lose a stone or more over six weeks.

"With the added incentive of raising money for such a good cause we’re hoping that the campaign will help to give people in Consett who would like to lose weight for summer the extra motivation they need to make a fresh start."

The Consett Slimming World group meets every Tuesday at 5pm and 7pm at Consett Christ Church, Church Hall, Parliament Street and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am at St Patrick’s Church Hall, Victoria Road Consett.

For more information call 01207-507245.