A SUPER slimmer dad is enjoying a new lease of life after losing more than 10 stone in less than a year and a half.

Adam Sharples once weighed a hefty 24 stone and 11 pounds but these days is a far trimmer 14 stone and eight and a half pounds.

The 31-year-old father-of-three's achievement was recently recognised as he made the semi-finals of Slimming World's Man of the Year 2017.

Although Mr Sharples, of Greenfold Avenue, Farnworth, did not win he was still delighted to be one of only 38 men to win a place in the semis.

He was congratulated on his achievements by former England footballer Wayne Bridge.

The weight loss has given him a new lease of life and he says he has more energy than ever before to take part in sport and play with his children.

Mr Sharples' weight loss journey started at the end of February last year when he joined Slimming World in Farnworth.

He said: "It took quite a lot for me to admit that I had a weight problem to begin with, so actually deciding to do something about it and join my local Slimming World group was another big step.

"Thankfully I came to the conclusion that my health and happiness were the most important things and plucked up the courage to go along that first time."

Pictures of Mr Sharples, a telesales worker, before and after losing the weight show a staggering difference.

After initial concerns he managed to sort out his diet and before long the weight fell off.

He said: "I was a bit concerned I’d have to survive on a bit of salad. I couldn’t have been more wrong though, I eat just as much as before now, if not more.

"Steak and chips, cooked breakfasts and curries are all still on the menu but I’ve just had to make some simple swaps like ditching the olive oil or butter in favour of low-calorie cooking spray and trimming the fat off of meat."

As well as getting to meet former Manchester City star Wayne, Mr Sharples has found other benefits to losing weight.

He said: "It’s even encouraged me to think about how active I am too, so I’ve started playing football for a local five-a-side team. I am much more active with my children now and I have more energy than ever. Getting to meet Wayne was great too, I never knew losing weight would have this many perks.”

Wayne, who appeared in the last season of TV's I'm A Celebrity on ITV, was impressed by Mr Sharples' achievement. He said: "As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy. It was a pleasure to meet Adam and I can’t believe his transformation – he doesn’t look like the same bloke."

“I really have to take my hat off to him for recognising that he had a problem and then having the courage to do something about it. I think many people would be guilty of thinking that going to a slimming club isn’t very manly so that makes it even harder for men to take that first step. He’s definitely a top bloke in my book.”

Mr Sharples sang the praises of Slimming World and encouraged anyone to sign up.

To contact the Farnworth group call Lauren Baxendale on 07849138907.