MEMBERS of the Lydney Slimming World group have donated £500 to help a baby who needed a liver transplant and £500 for the hospital which performed the life-saving operation.

The money was raised throughout the year and at the group's 14th annual ball at the Royal British Legion, where 40 members received trophies for their achievements.

Sue Pickering, from Bream, received the Woman of the Year award and Charlotte Giles of Blakeney was Young Woman of the Year, each losing seven stone.

Family of the Year were three sisters from  Lydney and Coleford, Beverly, Lorraine and Jo Freeman, who had a ten stone loss between them. 

Danii Slater from Bream received Young Slimmer of the Year with a three stone weight loss. Danii said it has transformed her life and she is looking forward to reaching her target next year.

Lydney Slimming World group also raises money for a different charity every year and since starting fifteen years ago has raised a staggering £21,000.

Consultant Lyn Weldon praised everyone for their fund-raising efforts and said this year was a special one as one client's grandson's needed a liver transplant at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

He is now home and doing really well after a total of £1,000 was raised to go towards his wellbeing and the hospital.

For more details of the group telephone 562514 or e-mail lynweldon@ talktalk.net