A STOURBRIDGE husband and wife have bagged themselves the title of 'Couple of the Year 2019' after supporting each other in their quest to lose weight and get healthy.

Tracie and Paul Homer, who own Georgina Scott Bridal in Lye, were awarded the accolade by fellow slimmers at Oldswinford Slimming World after shedding 5st 8 ½ lbs between them.

Tracie, who has dropped from a size 20 to a size 12, said: "I talk ‘diets’ most days as many of our brides come to their fittings angst-ridden about fitting into their dress.

"Many brides feel pressure to lose weight ahead of the wedding and some embark on intense, restrictive diets.

"I tell my brides it’s my job to make their dresses fit, not theirs, and for me, feeling healthy and confident are more important."

The pair have attributed their weight loss success to making small changes to the way they cook their meals.

Paul said: "I sell suits and feel so much better in them than I ever did. My waist has gone from a 38 to a 34 inch, but I would say the biggest change to our lives really is that we think nothing of pulling on our trainers and going for a walk, whereas before we would defiantly have numerous reasons why we couldn’t."

Kerry Morgan, Slimming World consultant, said: “Tracie and Paul are living proof that slimmers are more successful when they lose weight together and get support and motivation from others. Seeing their weight come down week after week has been a joy. "They’re a real inspiration to the rest of the group, including me.”

Kerry is now launching Pedmore Slimming Group at Pedmore Cricket Club on Wednesday October 16 at 9.30am.