by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

When portly Pete Starkey walked into his first slimming class, his biggest fear was being the only man in the room.

Now, 4st 2lbs lighter and with a renewed confidence, the 45-year-old is making sure other men don’t have that dread – by starting his own class.

Mr Starkey, from Stone Street, Cranbrook, can empathise with everyone who joins his Slimming World class, taking place in Ditton, having tried three times before to lose weight.

At his heaviest, the 5ft 11in dad of one weighed 20st 10lbs, but this year conquered his weight battle by dropping to 16 stone, although he still hopes to lose another stone to reach his target.

He said: "I cried when I saw the scales go over 20 stone. It was like someone punched me in the stomach.

"Being the only bloke going into a slimming group was really nerve-racking.

"There is a bit of a stigma for men to be in a class like that, but people were friendly and I found I wasn’t the only bloke."

He added: "I have been on the journey; I have lived it. I have been through the feelings and the excuses that you make to yourself, so I hope I will be able to help others."

The group will be held at 7.30pm at Ditton community centre in Kiln Barn Road, Ditton. For details call 07789 242220.