SUCCESSFUL Kingswinford slimmer Paul Holmes was praised by former England football star John Barnes after shedding more than 12 stone in weight.

Paul was competing in Slimming World's Man of the Year competition when he met up with the one-time Watford and Liverpool legend, who said: “I couldn't believe Paul's transformation. He doesn't look like the same bloke.”

The 43-year-old trimmed his 27 stone frame down to 14 stone 11.5lbs after being advised to attend the organisation's Hawbush group by a nurse at his local doctor’s surgery.

Paul said: “I went back to see the same nurse for my 18 month check-up and she was stunned when I walked through the door.

“I've since taken up walking, cycling and going to the gym.

“Getting to meet John Barnes was great. I never knew losing weight would have so many perks.”

However Paul's weight loss wasn't enough to land the overall prize which went to Warwickshire-based Dave Lancaster after he reduced his size by a whopping 20 plus stone.