Buying a large suit proved to be the inspiration a Thorpe man needed to shed four stones in weight after joining a Slimming World group.

Ian Golden, 45, of Dussindale, bought the suit from a supermarket for a business trip, but within two years he had shed more than four stones and he has maintained this for over a year after joining the Old Catton Slimming World group.

He said: 'Like most men I thought slimming clubs were for women and expected to be eating nothing but salad.

'But the minute I walked through the door I realised that nothing could have been further from the truth. I was made very welcome.

'There's a real mix of people – men and women of all ages – and we have a great time. Plus with Slimming World's Food Optimising eating plan no foods are banned.

'Instead I've learned how to cook healthier versions of my favourite meals, like steak and chips, and every week at group we share new recipes and handy tips.'

However, Mr Golden, who spends much of his average week travelling and staying in hotels, has managed the weight loss without having to give up his favourite foods and can still tuck into steaks, roast dinners, fry-ups, and fish and chips, even enjoying the odd glass of beer too.

Slimming World consultant Karen Miller, who runs the Old Catton group, said: 'It's great that we're able to celebrate this milestone and, without doubt, Ian has significantly improved his health.

'That's so important because the latest obesity statistics from the government show that there are more overweight and obese men in England than women – 65pc of men are overweight or obese compared to 56pc of women.'

Mr Golden has also totally embraced a new exercise regime, initially taking up running to support a friend who organised a 5k race to raise money for Cancer Research after he lost his first wife to cancer some years previously.

Despite weighing more than 17 stones, he followed the NHS programme Couch to 5k and completed his first 5k race in September 2011.

Since then, he has cycled from Vietnam to Cambodia among other events and raised lots of money for charity.

Last month he completed his first marathon in four hours and 15 minutes and as well as preparing for the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon, he is also training for his next challenge in 2014 – to complete an ultra marathon.

The Old Catton group meets at Garrick Green Infant School at 7.30pm on Thursdays and a new morning group is set to be launched at the Scout Hut on Lodge Lane in Old Catton on Tuesday December 31 at 9.30am. For more information call Karen on 01603 401270.