A STOURBRIDGE health and fitness expert is issuing a weight-loss challenge to people struggling to battle the bulge.

For the second year running - Sally-Ann Wood, who runs Fit4Life Personal Training in Amblecote, is offering six months free personal training and nutrition support to the right candidate keen to leave an unhealthy lifestyle behind.

Darren Bassett, from Wordsley, who tipped the scales at 24 stone 4lbs, was selected as last year's winner and by the end of the programme - which included following a healthy eating plan, 26 personal training sessions and regular workouts at home - he had lost more than six stone, shed 18 inches from his waist and reduced his diabetes medication.

He said the challenge had "unlocked a new future" for him and he added: "I will be forever in Sally-Ann's debt for what she has done for me and my family.

"I simply couldn't go back to my old lifestyle now. I will continue with the training for life."

Darren has now agreed to help select the next winner who will work alongside Sally-Ann to transform their lifestyle.

She said: "The escalating numbers of people with obesity and related health problems is worrying and for many in this situation it can be difficult to know where to start the journey back to fitness.

"With this challenge, I am offering someone with at least five stone to lose the chance to transform their life and give them the gift of good health."

Anyone interested in taking up the challenge can find out more online at http://www.fit4lifeptuk.com/ or email fit4lifept@hotmail.co.uk.

The deadline to apply is Saturday December 20.