A slimmer from Dumbarton has hit the back of the net after reaching the semi-finals of a weight loss competition for men in the UK and Ireland.

Ross Glen was one of 43 men to win a place at the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Man of the Year 2018 after losing almost 10 stones.

And Ross was congratulated on his amazing weight loss by the former Liverpool, Watford and England hero John Barnes.

Ross, who went from 24st 4.5lbs to 14st 6.5lbs at the Dumbarton Slimming World group, believes it can be hard for men to admit that they need help to lose weight, and that it is especially difficult for them to walk through the doors of a slimming club for the first time.

He said: “I joined Slimming World with my wife Glen. She has lost over six stones as well and has been an amazing support to me."

Slimming World’s recent ‘Machobesity Report’ revealed that while 95 per cent of men want to lose weight, mainly for health reasons, men typically keep weight worries to themselves.

Once they set their mind to it, though, men do seem to be good at slimming down, losing an impressive 5.7 per cent of their body weight in three months at Slimming World, while women on average lose 4.3 per cent

Ross added: "I thought I’d be constantly hungry and have to give up all of my favourite foods, but I couldn’t have been more wrong as I eat just as much as before, if not more.

“I did worry that I’d be the only bloke in the room, I wasn’t though. And, even if I ever was, it wouldn’t matter because everyone is there for the same reason."

Now Ross has taken up cycling with his two children and goes walking and swimming.

He said: "Getting to meet John was great too, I never knew losing weight would have this many perks!”

John, who has now hung up his football boots to become a successful pundit, was blown away by the achievements of the men he met at the competition. He said: “As a footballer, health and fitness has formed a huge part of my life, so I know how much effort and dedication it can take to stay fit and healthy – both mentally and physically."

Angela Wilson, who runs the St Michael Dumbarton group that Ross attends, is very proud of her super slimmer.

She said: "Slimming World works for everyone, so I hope Ross inspires lots of other people in Dumbarton – male or female – who’d like to lose weight to take that step and join our group at St Michael's Church Hall or call me on 07478 272955.”

Unfortunately, Ross was not the overall winner of the competition.

The Man of the Year 2018 title went to Dave Lancaster, from Warwickshire, who had a weight loss of 20st 8½lbs.