A slimming co-ordinator who has helped Keighley ladies to shed the pounds has managed to strike it Ritchie herself.

Slimming World manager Deborah Stockhill, who co-ordinates classes in the Keighley area, enjoyed a little extra New Year cheer when she met TV and stage star Shane Ritchie.

Deborah met entertainer Shane - who plays the Queen Vic's new rogue manager, Alfie Moon - at Slimming World's annual awards ceremony.

Deborah said: "Shane was a really nice guy and was so easy to talk to. He was full of admiration for our slimmers and seemed genuinely impressed by Slimming World and the work we do.

"This New Year there's an extra large helping of motivation on the menu as we have organised a six-week slimathon to raise funds for the NSPCC.

"Everyone's welcome to join in, whether they are a Slimming World member or not, right up until the end of March."

Shane, who hosted the event, said: "I was blown away by the whole event. All those people who have transformed their lives by losing weight - it's a dream come true for them.

Local ladies Irene Urwin and Michele Wood run a number of slimming classes around Keighley.

Irene's classes are held at St Aidan's Church, Crossflatts at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, Keighley Library at 10am on Thursdays and at the Scout and Community Hall, Bingley on Wednesdays at 10.30am.

Michele's classes are held at Long Lee Methodist Chapel every Tuesday at 7pm.

For more details phone Irene on 01274 563072 or Michele on 01274 551369.