A couple are aiming to lose pounds in weight to gain pounds in cash for Manorlands.

Simon and Vicki Harrison -- who together weigh in at over 30 stone -- hope their giant effort will raise at least £1,000 through sponsorship.

In the past they have attended slimming classes and worked out at gyms to get in shape, and they successfully lost more than five stone between them for their wedding last October.

But since then, the self-confessed takeaway lovers -- from Low Bank, Riddlesden -- have slid back into bad habits.

Simon, 36, owner of A1 Stairlifts, said: "We honeymooned in Malaysia where the food was wonderful, and then with Christmas and everything we just piled the weight back on.

"We are not really into sweets -- our downfall has been takeaways, cheese and wine, and plenty of them!

"Now we are watching what and how often we eat. We didn't used to have our evening meal until quite late, but now we aim to eat no later than 6.30 and then have nothing else until breakfast.

"Surviving that period is the hardest part and my stomach is constantly rumbling. During the day it is not so bad because I am kept busy.

"We have basically cut from our diet everything that tastes nice! Our problem in the past with sticking to weight loss programmes has been will power, but now with the incentive of raising money for Manorlands we are very focused and determined to stick to the task.

"Fortunately, among our wedding presents we got a griddle, which we are now using instead of the frying pan, and we are eating plenty of vegetables."

Simon and 28-year-old Vicki, who works in marketing and PR at Snugpak in Silsden, also hope to go swimming twice a week and have invested in walking boots.

And they are seeking a local gym willing to support them by providing free facilities. They had allowed themselves a year to achieve their targets -- Simon aims to lose four stone and Vicki two -- but they now hope to reach their goals in about half that time.

Manorlands is a cause close to Simon's heart. His father died of cancer 20 years ago, after which his mother spent some years working as a volunteer at the Oxenhope hospice and in the Haworth Sue Ryder shop.

Anyone wishing to support the sponsored slim can contact Simon and Vicki on 01535 608627.