SHEDDING 23 pounds "like clockwork" over four months has helped James Stock grab the Shape Up title.

The former Nestl Rowntree worker is now a streamlined 16 stone six pounds after throwing himself into the Evening Press challenge.

He's been training regularly at Courtney's gym for the lifestyle-changing competition.

Now staff at the Monks Cross health club, will be seeing a lot more of James after he won a year's free membership.

While his girlfriend, Brenda, who encouraged him to take part in the first place, was looking forward to an indulgent spa break at Thoresby Hall, in Nottingham.

James, 55, of Heworth, was one of 43 entrants who battled with the scales to achieve their own personal targets.

His starting weight in January was 18 stone one pound.

Fitness judges chose him as the winner not just because he lost the most weight, but because of the controlled way in which he lost it.

"It makes me feel better in myself. I can do things I couldn't before and I feel livelier in the mornings and better all round," he said.

"It's been like clockwork. I've done it properly. It's not been a crash diet. I've not been daft.

"I haven't changed all that much. I'm just eating the proper stuff and doing some exercise.

"I didn't do it to win. I did it to get right and I'm surprised to have won."

James has been helped in his quest to shed the pounds by his two dogs, Tyke and Chelsea, and by running after his 19 grandchildren.

A keen bass singer, he is now looking forward to performing at the Royal Albert Hall next month as part of a 600-strong public choir for the Sing Live charity event.

Other Shape Up slimmers were delighted with the progress they made with the help of the Courtney's expert team. Ben Clarke, of Courtney's, said: "This competition has helped loads of people adopt a new healthier lifestyle, combining exercise with healthy eating.

"Hopefully they have enjoyed it and they will keep going in the future."

Mr Clarke said other successful entrants included Dave Breslin, who lost 19 pounds, Richard Wells, who lost 17-and-a-half pounds, and Kath Burton, who shed 17 pounds.

Married couple Mary and Dave Breslin, from Rawcliffe, in York, placed a bet as to who could lose most weight.

The pair were in the licensing trade and entered the competition to slim down and tone up.

Mary, who 5ft 4ins tall, has lost eight pounds, bringing her to her target weight of eight-and-a-half stone. Dave, 56, lost 19 pounds, bringing him down to just over 14 stone.

Mary, 55, said: "I'm quite happy. I'd put on half a stone and I really struggled to lose it until I did this. I want to keep it this way.

"We dared each other to lose weight. It was good because I wouldn't have done it without Dave. I think I helped him to lose it as well.

"Dave does intend to lose some more - but he's done ever so well."

Christine Barker, of Huntington, took part in the competition to stop being 50, fat and frumpy and transform into "50, thin and fabulous".

She has been to the gym six days a week since starting her health drive, and has lost 16 pounds, bringing her down to 11 stone three pounds.

She said: "I've really enjoyed it. It has been really good. I'm feeling a lot better, all my clothes fit better.

"At least I'm feeling a lot fitter now - and thinner."

Updated: 10:28 Friday, April 15, 2005