Takeaway owners chipping away at the fat

After finding it all too tempting to eat food from the deep fat fryer, they realised something had to change if they were to reach their target of losing 12 stones between them.

So the couple decided to overhaul their menu and introduce some healthy options.

As a result, people in Darfield, Barnsley, can now buy fat-free fishcakes and oven-baked "slimming chips" from the takeaway on Morrison Road – alongside traditional chip shop favourites.

Mrs Hurst, who admits to piling on the pounds since taking over the shop a decade ago, said: "If we were rushing around in an evening we'd just decide to have something from the chippy as it was easiest.

"But, after we joined Slimming World, I realised we needed something there that was healthier to eat. We came up with the fishcakes, which are fat free – just potato and fish.

"For another healthy option customers can remove the batter after frying, as fish steams within the batter. But if the temptation is too much then we will steam fish on request."

Customers at the chip shop can also request "slimming" chips, which are sprayed with an oil substitute and baked for 25 minutes, rather than put in the fryer.

Since joining the slimming group in nearby Wombwell last October, Mrs Hurst has already lost a stone and a half.

Group leader Ann Gath said potatoes help to stave off hunger for longer.

She added: "The key to losing weight successfully isn't about starving yourself, but eating meals like fish and chips or eggs and chips so that you never feel hungry or deprived."