When Mal Vale stepped on the scales and weighed in at nearly 30 stone, he knew it was time to make a change.

Mr Vale, from Dawley, Telford, decided to enlist the services of a free health trainer offered by the NHS and 18 months on, has shed seven-and-a-half stone.

He said that changing his eating habits and starting to exercise regularly has changed his life, and he was feeling healthier and fitter than he ever had, as the weight still continues to drop off.

Mr Vale said: “My main goal was to become active and lose weight.

“There were a couple of times when I wanted to quit but the trainers kept me on track.

“I must thank the staff and trainers who have given me advice and encouragement when I have had setbacks in my diet or exercise regime.”

The health trainer service is part of the health improvement department of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust.

The service offers free help and advice to anybody over the age of 16 who lives or works in Telford.

It supports people who wants to make changes to their health and lifestyle, ranging from quitting smoking to losing weight, eating more healthily, becoming more active or drinking more sensibly.

Health trainer Jamie Pearson, who worked with Mr Vale, said: “It’s all about making small, achievable changes.

“I don’t tell clients off if they haven’t stuck to their plan, because it’s up to them to make the changes, but I do offer encouragement, support and suggestions.

“Our service is there to help people make long-term lifestyle changes, and we understand that they aren’t just going to happen overnight.

“The local health trainer service looks at the whole person – their lifestyle, family and work commitments, social lives and starting point. All have an effect on what they can realistically change about their lives.

“But it’s surprising the changes people can make with a little bit of encouragement and the right information,” he added.

The health trainer service is free to people who live or work in Telford. To make an appointment contact (01952) 217474 or e-mail healthtrainers@shropcom.nhs.uk