WEIGHT-shedding women from Mid Devon have proved they are super slimmers and fundraisers in a charity drive.

Members of the Slimming World group in Tiverton and Cullompton, together with other colleagues, collected 175 black bin bags stuffed with clothes they are now too slim for.

The fundraising initiative was part of Slimming World mission to raise money for Cancer Research UK over the year, with all proceeds from the clothes collection being donated to the charity.

Anna Joyce, a consultant who runs Slimming World groups in Tiverton and Cullompton, spearheaded the campaign andsaid: "The incredible members of our groups have amazed me with their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment once again! This year’s Big Clothes Throw has been a fantastic success, and I can’t believe just how many bags our members, their friends and families have managed to collect for Cancer Research UK. It’s been so rewarding and I’m so proud to help pull together such a phenomenal amount of stock for such a worthwhile cause!

"Knowing they’ll never need their ‘before’ clothes again, when I told my group about the campaign they couldn’t wait to take part.

"Not only is the Clothes Throw a perfect opportunity for all of us to celebrate our slimming success, it is also vital we spread the message that keeping a healthy weight could reduce the risk of developing ten different types of cancer.

"This is why Slimming World chose Cancer Research UK as our national charity partner. We really hope our bag collection will help to increase understanding of how weight affects cancer risk.

"We had a fantastic day collecting all the bags and the the managers of the Tesco store in Tiverton and Cullompton were very helpful and let us do our collection in the store.

"My members have seen stunning weight losses simply by making small changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and by taking steps to become more active. But the best thing about our group is the caring support members give to each other, spurring each other along and sharing recipes and tips every week."

Last year Slimming World’s Big Clothes Throw raised £1.7m for Cancer Research UK, and this year the organisation aims to raise £2m for the charity. With each bag worth up to £30(including Gift aid) Mrs Joyce said she hopes the contribution from all the local groups will help to reach that total.