A MAN who has been battling with his weight for more than a decade has said thank you to his supporters – after losing four stone.

Antiques dealer John Treacher has shed the amount in a year-and-a-half, and now feels comfortable with his size.

The 47-year-old, of Weelsby Street, Grimsby, said: "I was 16st and now I am 12st, with the majority of the weight being muscle.

"I do a lot of jogging and regularly go to the gym. I have to thank the guys at the gym for all their support and advice.

"There were two moments when I knew I had to change the way I was.

"The first was when I was living in Brighton and there was a set of steps that I struggled to climb and I felt like an old man when I did finally get to the top.

"The second was when I saw a photo of myself and I couldn't believe it.

"I have learned a lot from going to the gym. The instructors there told me from day one it is not about lifting really heavy weights, it is about technique.

"I really enjoy jogging and I get out whenever I can, at the minute I am going out every day.

"There is a misconception that people can't afford the gym but it works out at just over a pound a day which is nothing really.

"Without the gym and the help I received there I really couldn't have done it.

"I am now on top of my weight and I feel comfortable in my own skin."

Mr Treacher has also changed his diet to include less saturated fat, more fruit and vegetables but he still has an occasional weakness to sweets.

He goes to the Oasis Health Club, on Orwell Street, Grimsby, at least five times a week.

Manager Tracey Mills said: "There are a lot of people who will gradually put weight on and just not realise it to begin with.

"We get a lot of people like this come through our door, including Mr Treacher.

"We start by trying to change people's thought process from day one. We can't physically do the hard work for them but we can give them the tools and help them with the commitment process.

"Keeping up a relationship with our customers is key. We contact them if we don't see them for a while and also ask them to give us feedback on a regular basis.

"We do this so we can work with them as closely as possible. We try to make it as enjoyable and productive as possible for everyone.

"John has been coming here for a number of years and he is so committed to his health.

"When he first came here he was quiet and seemed at bit nervous. He is always in now and he is a lot more confident and comfortable, which is a joy to see.

"We wish him all the best for the future."