Slimming enthusiasts from Welwyn Hatfield have raised over £20,000 for Cancer Research UK.

They accomplished this by giving clothes they wore before losing weight to charity shops.

The effort, known as 'The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw with Cancer Research UK', is an annual event held by Slimming World branches across the country.

Participants donate clothing, accessories and footwear which have become oversized due to their weight loss journey.

Over the past years, Slimming World has raised upwards of £20m for Cancer Research UK through a range of activities. Along with 'The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw', the organisation supports the charity's Race for Life events.

Welwyn Hatfield Slimming World groups donated a substantial 740 bags of clothing, estimated to be worth around £23,000. The funds accumulated on April 20, as the groups gathered at the Hopfields pub.

Apart from amassing funds for Cancer Research UK, the event also serves to promote awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

In the UK, excess weight resulting in obesity or overweight is the second leading preventable cause of cancer, causing more than five per cent of new cancer cases.

Last year's 'Big Slimming World Clothes Throw' saw the combined efforts of Slimming World members, consultants and head office staff raising nearly £1.5m for Cancer Research UK. This year, the aim is to improve on that amount.

Consultant Amy Jefferies said: "Being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will develop cancer, but we know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a number of health conditions, including some types of cancer.

"The work that Cancer Research UK does to help those affected by cancer is vital. I’m so proud of my members for their passion towards this fundraising event as I know that their contributions will help the charity continue its life-saving research."

Those interested in joining local groups or as consultants can reach out to Amy on 07702 911160 or visit the Slimming World website.