KEEPING fit has changed the life of a 38-year-old Kidderminster man who weighed in at a portly 16st 10lb just over two years ago.

Former pipe fitter and electrician Dean Shepherd is now a trim 10 stone and is looking for a job as a personal trainer after completing one of the most intensive study courses for fitness instructors.

Mr Shepherd, who trains at Unique Fitness, Mill Street, Kidderminster, now proudly holds a certificate in fitness instruction from the World Body Building Association after completing a home study course coupled with a regimented training routine and hours of hard work at the gym.

He also power lifts and aims to become a natural body builder - a far cry from his original ambition which was to shed a few pounds to get himself into a decent pair of jeans.

Mr Shepherd, of Beau-champ Avenue, said: "I had got to the stage when I couldn't get into branded jeans because my waist was 42 inches and my face looked like a beach ball.

"I had to do something so I joined Unique Fitness and went on a diet programme. I lost two stones the first year but I began to get really into the fitness thing so I just carried on.

"It was a matter of combining a sensible diet with regular workouts at the gym. It was a lot of effort and I must admit I had a few lapses along the way when I binged but I am now just over 10 stones and what's more I can get myself into 30-inch waist designer jeans, too."