A Stourbridge woman has won an award for her work in helping people to lose weight.

Caroline Pitt, who has been running the Norton and Amblecote Slimming World group for 12 years, has received a Diamond Award from the company.

This recognises her work inspiring people in the community to lose weight and improve their health.

The award is given to consultants who welcome 60 members or more to their group each month for a year, and who inspire these members to keep coming.

Ms Pitt said: "In Stourbridge, one in three adults are living with obesity.

"As well as the emotional difficulties this causes, obesity is linked to many serious health conditions such as type two diabetes, heart disease, strokes and several types of cancer.

"So I’m extremely proud to be supporting people in our community each week to lose weight by eating more healthily and adopting a more active lifestyle for the long term."

Ms Pitt highlighted the wider impact of the organisation's work on families, with 75 percent of members reporting they have influenced their family and friends to make healthier food choices.

She added: "Slimming World’s plan isn’t a diet, it’s too generous to be called a diet.

"It helps people make changes to the way they shop, cook and eat so they make healthier choices and lose weight without ever going hungry or feeling like they’re missing out.

"We share new recipes, advice and ideas for coping with challenges – and we have loads of fun along the way."

Ms Pitt said she understands that it can be nerve-wracking to join a group for the first time.

She said: "I can assure people that there’s no judgment, just respect and care.

"I truly believe I have the best, most rewarding role in the world."