Ruby, Ruby, Ruby! Pinhoe Slimming leader collects award

Slimming World Consultant Penni Ball has proved she's red hot after winning a Ruby Award for her work in helping tackle obesity in the area.

Penni who runs the Pinhoe Slimming World groups at America Hall, was delighted to receive the award for inspiring dozens of people in the local community to start losing weight and improve their health.

The accolade sees Penni, who lost 3.5 stone with Slimming World herself, become a Ruby Consultant.

The award was created in 2009 to celebrate Slimming Worlds 40th anniversary and is given to all Consultants in the UK and Ireland who welcome 40 new members into their group in one month. Penni says: "More than 21% of adults in Exeter are overweight and putting their health at risk and sadly 16% of Year 6 children and above are struggling with their weight. We are shaping the future generations and thats important to me."

Lots of people want to lose weight but often don't know how or where to turn to for help When members come to my group they tell me they have tried losing weight before and it hasn't worked so they feel like failures. I reassure them that its not them that have failed but the programme they followed being too strict or complicated or because they didn't get the right support - but at Slimming World prepare to be amazed and to feel safe and supported.

We follow a fantastic Food Optimising plan, which encourages slimmers to make small, easy changes to the way they shop, cook and eat so they make healthier choices and lose weight without ever going hungry or feeling deprived. Each week as well as weighing in to log the lbs melting away, members are motivated for the week ahead by sharing ideas, recipes, and advice for coping with challenges.

Penni says: "I know the idea of joining a group can be daunting especially if you don't feel very confident, but everyone's welcome and we have a lot of fun."

She adds: "I'm delighted to have achieved this award. Rubies are known for being beautiful and being a hard natural gem and I'm taking this award in recognition of my hard work and that of my fabulous members who know that it is their word of mouth and personal recommendation that keeps our groups growing. I am truly lucky to have the most inspiring, and rewarding job ever - there is no better feeling than helping someone to feel good about themselves."

If you would like to sparkle and shine like Ruby Consultant Penni Ball and her Pinhoe Slimming World members visit their group, every Thursday at 5.15pm or 7.15pm and Friday 9.30am or 11.30am, America Hall, De La Rue Way, Pinhoe EX4 8PX.

Check out the website www.slimmingworld.com or give Penni a ring on 07792 358231. Its never to early to be working towards your summertime body.