A WEIGHT-loss leader from Crossflatts has scooped a coveted accolade.

Katie Holmes has received a silver award from Slimming World.

The honour is in recognition of her achievements helping the 115 members of the organisation's Crossflatts group.

Together, they last year shed nearly 340 stones.

It's the first time that Katie, who runs the Thursday-evening group, has been awarded the accolade since she became a consultant in May, 2017.

She took on the role after losing one stone 2lbs herself with Slimming World in readiness for her wedding.

"I feel passionately about helping people to transform their lives by losing weight – in the same way that I did," she said.

"Losing weight made me feel happier and healthier and gave me so much more confidence.

"I became a consultant because I wanted to share that feeling and help other people to achieve the same success I had myself.

"Seeing the members in my group – mums, dads, grandmas and young people too – reach their target weight is so rewarding, and receiving this award is just the icing on the cake. I'm delighted.

"This award belongs to the Crossflatts members. They’re the ones who make our group the success it is, with their fabulous commitment, the wonderful support they give each other every week and of course their impressive weight losses."

She said the group had "put healthy weight loss on the map" in the area.

"Together they have lost an amazing amount," added Katie.

"Obesity is at record levels everywhere and with 69.7 per cent of adults in Bradford being affected, many people here in the district are suffering a range of weight-related health problems from diabetes to heart conditions and feelings of low self-worth that impact on their working and personal lives every day.

"It’s never been more important that overweight people get the support to make changes to their lives – both for themselves and future generations, their children, too."

The silver award is presented to consultants with 100 members or more for their achievements.

Katie is now aiming to maintain her success and earn the gold standard.

"I’m over the moon to have become a silver consultant and now I’m going for gold!" she said.

"However, I feel like I’ve already struck gold. I’m very lucky and truly believe I have the best job in the world."

The group meets at St Aidan's Church every Thursday, at 5pm and 7pm.