Chris Eyre's weekly exercise was mainly made up of playing the sport, until he shattered his ankle and had to quit.

He gradually began to gain weight and lose energy.

Chris, 37, said: "Once I was forced to give up football, my poorly planned diet and snacking really began to catch up with me."

When Chris reached 18 stone he joined a weight-loss and management programme called Lighterlife.

Within four months the father-of-three lost six stone through weekly counselling sessions which looked at his relationship with food.

Chris is now exercising more than ever to complement his new healthy eating plan and has recently taken part in a 137-mile bike ride and plans to begin training for a half marathon in the new year.

Chris, from Earlsheaton, said: "Losing the weight has allowed me to start enjoying my time with my wife and the kids, as well as giving me the chance to really get passionate about activities such as biking and running that physically would have killed me before."