A popular weight loss support group has launched virtual meetings during lockdown to ensure its members get the support they need.

Slimming World usually hosts face to face sessions all over Bolton, however they initially had to be put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Within a week they managed to get online meetings up and running, and people have already seen results.

Catherine McNulty, who runs the session at St John's Methodist Church in Horwich, had only been a Slimming World consultant for just under four months when lockdown happened.

She said: "It's a great experience and it is fun, obviously we all have problems with our IT skills from time to time but we have a laugh.

"The sessions work a bit different to usual, we ask people to enter their weight in manually, often the day before. Then the group itself lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, it's great because you don't even have to leave your house.

"A lot of our members have found the sessions good for their mental health too, everyone's really friendly and it's a chance to speak with others in the same situation.

"When you're at home all day it's easy to snack or sit with a glass of wine in the garden, but we help people regain a sense of control at a time when not much can be controlled.

"We don't ban any foods but encourage a positive attitude to eating.

"There's people from all backgrounds, some members are in their 80s, other are young mums, and we have men too.

"A lot of our members have actually got the attitude that weightloss is something they can achieve in lockdown."

Those interested in joining are encouraged to contact their local Slimming World consultant.