The manager of a Barking and Dagenham weight-loss group met comedian Paddy McGuinness at an annual awards ceremony to celebrate the work of the group.

Amanda Hickey, who manages Slimming World groups in Barking and Dagenham, met with Mr McGuinness when he co-hosted the Slimming World Awards at the Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

Mr McGuinness co-starred in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights with school friend Peter Kay before becoming a stand-up comedian and TV presenter.

He said: “I have to admit the most I knew about Slimming World before the awards was a gag in Peter’s routine that refers to Slimming World as being a £1 cheaper than its competitors.

“Jokes aside, I was genuinely amazed to hear about what a difference people like Amanda who run and manage Slimming World groups make to people’s lives.”

Ms Hickey said: “We’re so proud of all of our members. Many of them have achieved their target weights and been able do things they never thought possible before slimming down, including doing more with their families, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or simply fitting in smaller-sized clothes.”

For more information visit www.slimmingworld.com.