A sensational slimmer has shed more than 20 stone in an inspiring battle of the bulge.

Shaun Carrington, 31, from Weymouth, made the amazing turnaround in just two years – and is now inspiring others to follow his lead.

Mr Carrington told how he had struggled with his weight since his teenage years, and after secondary school his weight gain accelerated.

By the age of 29 he weighed 33st 10lb, resulting in health problems.

The excess weight left Mr Carrington feeling self-conscious, shying away from social activities, even with friends and family, and unable to see the doctor.

"Because I was so self-conscious, I hadn't been to see a doctor in years. I was too scared to go down and hear the truth," he said.

The excessive weight meant simple tasks like walking up and down stairs left him out of breath and Mr Carrington suffered from joint pain, back pain and painful skin infections.

"I had a couple of quite prolonged bouts of cellulitis skin infections which took even longer to heal because of the weight I was carrying," he said.

But now just two years later, Mr Carrington weights just over 13st having lost an incredible 20.5st – more than half his body weight – and found a whole new lease on life.

Mr Carrington said: “My family were genuinely alarmed by how immobile I was becoming and often told me that my breathing was very loud. A week after my 29th birthday, I had run out of excuses and seeing the success my mum Karen had joining Slimming World, I reluctantly gave in and decided I had to do something about my weight."

Mr Carrington grew up in Weymouth but now lives in Poole.

He continues to work in Weymouth, running a camping shop at Osmington.

Mr Carrington said walking into Slimming World on the first day was a nerve-wracking experience.

He said: "I was basically dragged through the door. I think a lot of men can relate – you look at slimming clubs and you think it's a very female dominated world.

“I was terrified about walking into group the first day fearing I would be the only man there. But it's not like that, there are plenty of men and everyone was so friendly and really supportive. The biggest motivation is from other members and their support. There's no better choice I could have made than going through those doors two years ago," he said.

Mr Carrington reached his target weight just before the new year and says he has a new found enthusiasm for life – even taking on a 20 mile cycle ride in September when he took part in Lulworth Off-Road.

He said: “I feel like a teenager again I have so much energy I enjoy going out mountain biking with friends and by myself.

"My self-confidence has built hugely. I'm doing things I could never have done before," he said.

Inspired by his own journey, Mr Carrington is re-launching a Slimming World group in Weymouth to help others change their lives.

He said: "Seeing what I have got back in my life with Slimming World is what's really got me wanting to help others. I have made so many fantastic supportive friends at group and look forward to seeing them every week.”

The club will start on Monday, February 26 at Radipole United Reformed Church in Spa Road. Sessions run at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. For more information contact Shaun on 07545 756175.