A BAKER lost more than seven stone — after giving up pies, cakes and takeaways.

Richard Banks aged 49, tipped the scales at 24 stone after years of snacking on food at work and up to three takeaways a week.

But dad-of-two Mr Banks went on a crash diet after his daughter gave birth to his first grand-daughter .

Mr Banks, who has daughters Natasha, aged 23, and Olivia, aged 16, joined Slimming World at 12 Apostles Social Club in Leigh and said his weight loss journey has been "a bit of a fairytale".

"It was my sister in law that got me to the group in the first place, " said Mr Banks, who works at Waterfields in Leigh.

"I just really wanted to get fit and after my granddaughter was born I just thought I have no intention of dying early so I wanted to get sorted for her and myself.

"I've actually surprised myself because I have found it quite easy because it's not a diet its a life style change and one that I needed to make really.

"There is no going back for me now"

Mr Banks, who has a target of weighing 14 stone, has swapped his fatty food lifestyle and now follows an eating plan based on foods that satisfy the appetite and are low in energy density.

He added: "I'm looking forward to summer to take my grand-daughter to the beach because it's things like that that people take for granted.

"My daughters are chuffed for me which is nice to see and they are really supportive and proud.

"People at work have been looking out for me as well to keep me in check. You can still have the odd little blow out but then you just get back on it.

"I thought I would struggle with it and didn't think I would be able to get my head around it but I've shocked myself with it all.

"It's been a bit of a fairytale."