A karate man has managed to get his next black belt after losing more than six stone over eight months.

Ellis Rees, 46, from Epsom, took up karate again after dropping from 19 stone 8lbs last January to 13 stone 7 lbs in October.

Mr Rees said since losing weight he had climbed one of Africa’s highest mountains and got his next black belt grading.

He said: "I would not have been able to attempt it without the weight loss. "Because I have lost around eight inches from around my waist I am now having around 10 pairs of trousers being re-tailored to fit me.

"I feel as though I have a spring in my step."

Mr Rees attended sessions run by weight loss organisation Slimming World.

Rachael Carvill is taking over the Ewell Slimming World Group and relaunching it on April 3 at Ewell Grove Infant School, West Street, at 7.30pm.

For more information contact Ms Carvill on 07736545844.