Weight loss coaches in Deal are inviting people to take part in a challenge to drop the pounds in time for Christmas.

For the past six months, Katie Amos and Natasha Cloke have together been running the Community Weight Loss Challenge – a 12-week programme with cash prizes for the biggest losers.

They are now launching a six-week Community Weight Loss Challenge, starting on Wednesday, November 12, and ending on Wednesday, December 17, in time for the festive season.

Mrs Amos said: “The results from the 12-week challenges have been outstanding. In total, over 13 stone has been lost. Due to popular demand we are running a six-week Christmas Special, to help people look fabulous for their Christmas parties.”

It will run from Deal Spiritualist Church Centre in Mill Hill every Wednesday from 6pm until 7pm.

Each participant will be assigned a personal weight loss coach who will work with them on a one to one basis and assist them in reaching their targets.

Participant Ruth Killick, 43, of Downs Road, Deal, says she feels fantastic since she has lost weight.

She said: “I joined the challenge as a last resort before I was going to beg my GP for gastric surgery. The first week I got on the scales and cried. After that I took control. I’ve learnt more in the weeks with Katie and Natasha than I have with all the diet groups I have done and I think I exhausted them all. I have lost weight, inches and feel fantastic. I can’t remember ever feeling this well and happy.”

The challenge costs £20 to take part and promotes weight loss and healthy living. It is a not-for-profit programme. All the money raised is reinvested back into the challenge and distributed in the form of prizes to the participants who lose the biggest percentage of weight.

If 30 participants sign up, cash prizes will be given to the top three losers. First prize is £150, second prize is £100 and third prize is £50.

Class spaces are limited. To book yours, contact Natasha on 07590 545947.