The Royal seal of approval has been given to a group of slimmers in Staffordshire who have collectively lost more than two tonnes.

The Slimming World group in Hammerwich are overjoyed at receiving the letter of praise from the Queen.

Consultant Suzi Rigby said “About a month ago I was telling a friend how proud I was of my group as they are all doing so well with their losses and are always up for raising money for charity.

“My friend told me that they deserved a medal and it got me thinking that they deserve a bit of praise.”

Having seen founder of Slimming World, Margaret Miles Bramwell, receive an OBE recently, Suzi thought the Queen would like to know about her group.

“As the weeks went by I forgot I had sent it until a chap at work asked if I had ever had a reply – but at that point I hadn’t and I felt a bit disappointed, but knew that she was a busy lady,” said Suzi.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got home that night and there was an envelope post marked Buckingham Palace.”

The Queen had asked her lady in Waiting to send the group, who meet every Monday, her best wishes and to congratulate members on all their achievements.

Suzi said: “The ladies were really pleased to have the Royal Seal of Approval on their losses and felt inspired to continue working towards their target weights.”