A former policeman and Ashford Freemason who lives in Deal will battle to shed the pounds on a new TV show for Channel 4.

Kevin Stones, 60, a member of Ashford’s Lodge of Loyalty, will appear on Weighing Up The Enemy.

The show sees two contributors pitted against each other in a weight-loss challenge.

The idea is that each contestant will be motivated to lose more weight than their rival by putting £500 into a pot, with the winner using the loser’s cash to organise an event that the loser would hate.

Mr Stones, who is married with two daughters, also used his participation in the show to seek sponsorship from members of three Ashford lodges, Loyalty, St George Bahrain and Stour, plus friends and family.

So far he has raised about £1,200 for Motor Neurone Disease research.

Mr Stones, a Freemason for 32 years, said: “I was 100% determined. It started off as a weight-loss challenge but then I also put £500 of my own money on the table.

“Plus, I wanted to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease research, as I have a friend who is ill.

“I was nominated to do the Ice Bucket Challenge, but I thought I could do one better than that.

"It felt good to be able to sprint up the stairs. I felt rejuvenated.” - Kevin Stones

“I saw the advert for the show and thought I could raise more than £25.”

The show is hosted by Dr Christian Jessen, who is known for presenting Embarrassing Bodies.

Of the doctor, Mr Stones said: “He is a wonderful guy, a real people person. He was very supportive.

“The team didn’t leave any stone unturned; they kept a close eye on you.

“We had a full medical and would have to monitor calorie intake and activity, which they would oversee.”

Mr Stones, who lives in Deal, stuck to a 1,500 calories a day diet, and also burnt off 3,500 calories a day.

He also gave up alcohol, bread and potatoes and went to the gym every day.

He said: “I enjoyed the diet. I could turn the negatives into positives. It felt good to be able to sprint up the stairs. I felt rejuvenated.”

To find out how much Mr Stones loses and if he is the winner, watch Weighing Up The Enemy on Channel 4 at 8pm on Tuesday, January 27.