FOUR volunteers were praised for collectively shedding almost seven stone after they completed the six-month Choosing Health Challenge.

Jane Cross, David Clifton, Shelley Polidano and Babatunde Adebutu volunteered for the six-month get-fit challenge, supported by the Guardian and local agencies.

Volunteers, organisers and organisations converged on St Margaret's Hospital, Epping, to celebrate the completion of the challenge.

Epping Forest Council chairman Ann Haigh, who presented certificates of achievement to the participants, said: "It gives me great pleasure to attend the celebration and personally congratulate the participants for their excellent progress."

Babatunde Adebutu, from Loughton - who lost almost two stone - said: "Something as simple as substituting toast with wholegrain cereal for breakfast can make a big difference. I've also taken up badminton for the first time which I really enjoy."

Over the last six months Mr Clifton, from Epping, lost one-and-a-half stone and Ms Polidano, from Waltham Abbey, lost a stone.

Mrs Cross, from Loughton - who also lost almost two stone - said: "The biggest difference I've noticed since doing the challenge is the fact that I now feel able and want to do so much more. The support I received was invaluable and I plan to continue with the health drive."

Local Strategic Partnership Community, Strategy and Partnerships manager Marina Sherriff praised the Guardian, Epping Forest Primary Care Trust, Voluntary Action Epping Forest and fitness management company SLM for their support.

She said: "We're particularly proud of the challenge because it shows just what partnership working can achieve."