After losing more than five stone, a man from Devon has reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the UK and Ireland's most successful male slimmers.

Martyn Tuvey, 58, won a place in the final of Slimming World's 2024 Man of the Year competition, where he met former England midfielder and pundit Lee Sharpe.

His fellow Exmouth group members nominated him for the accolade, joining 38 other inspirational male slimmers at Slimming World's Head Office in Derbyshire.

Mr Tuvey, who slimmed from 19st 6.5lbs to 14st 6lbs, said: "I’d been unhappy with my weight for a while, yet I just didn’t face up to it.

"Deep down I wanted to lose weight, but I didn’t want or really know how to ask for help.

"I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive about joining a Slimming World group, but I soon started to recommend it to all my mates who wanted to lose weight too."

He found the support at his Slimming World group key to his success.

He said: "I didn’t really know what to expect when I first walked through the doors, but everyone was warm and welcoming.

"We’re all there for the same reason – to lose weight and to feel good.

"Going along every week now just feels like a catch-up with my friends, we motivate each other, share tips and recipe ideas and just generally support each other every step of the way."

Even though he was not the overall winner of the competition, Mr Tuvey is now more active.

He said: "As the weight came off I started to feel more energetic and wanted to try something new.

"I’ve since taken up cycling, moorland walks and swimming."

Lee Sharpe, who played for Manchester United and Leeds United, said he was blown away by the men's achievements.

He said: "It was a pleasure to meet Martyn – I can’t believe his transformation, he doesn’t look like the same bloke!"

Dawn Carter, who runs the Exmouth Slimming World group, said: "His determination and motivation has never faded – he’s a real inspiration to all of the other members."

The national title winner for Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2024 competition will be announced later this month.