A pair of supersize siblings proved brotherly love is the perfect motivation – after shedding an incredible 17 stone in a year.

Mike and Dave Freeman’s incredible transformation is shown in these pictures, with the pair holding up the trousers they wore just 12 months ago.

At the time, Mike, 48, had ballooned to 22st 8lb, while 58-year-old Dave tipped the scales at 22st 6lb.

But after biting the bullet and joining Slimming World clubs, they watched as the pounds fell off.

Dave, who lives in Broad Oak and works at Canterbury Golf Club, says an embarrassing incident inspired him to lose 8st 10lb.

“I was on the floor working on one of the machines at the golf club and I couldn’t get up,” he recalled.

“Kids were looking at me and I thought I must look so stupid, I really ought to do something here.”

And he did just that, ditching his diet of alcohol and regular takeaways and opting for a more basic daily treat.

He said: “I used to finish at the driving range at 8pm, have fish and chips or another takeaway and wash it down with some wine. Now I have beans on toast five days a week.

“I’ve stopped all alcohol and plan my meals, instead of eating at short notice.”

The change has been miraculous for Dave, who says it has helped him turn a corner in his life – and even improved his golf swing.

He said: “I’ve got arthritis, but since I’ve lost the weight it is nowhere near as painful.

“I used to play golf for years and my weight was a hindrance, but now I can hit the ball to a reasonable standard again. That is one of my inspirations to keep going.”

Dad-of-one Mike, now 14st 8lb, had wedding bells in sight when he decided to take drastic action before walking up the aisle with Lisa in May last year.

Recalling the moment he joined Tankerton’s Slimming World group last January, he said: “It was quite intimidating and embarrassing being the only bloke.

“But I found terrific support there. Everyone is very friendly and they want you to succeed. When I first went to the gym I lasted 90 seconds on the treadmill and I wanted to give up.

“A year later I’m cycling every day, running and keeping fit in all sorts of ways at the gym.”

Steel merchant Mike, of Shepherdsgate Drive, Herne Bay, still enjoyed a drink and the odd treat, explaining: “As much as it was about changing diet, I still had a beer at the weekend and enjoyed the occasional takeaway because I was exercising regularly.”