TORFAEN'S Mayor has embraced the healthy eating message and lost three stone.

Councillor Aneurin James, who has reduced his shirt size while in office, shared his slimming success with people attending the second anniversary celebrations of West Pontnewydd luncheon Club.

The luncheon club is one of Torfaen Council's Health Improvement Team's success stories. Not so long ago, the poor kitchen facilities hampered any attempts at large-scale catering at West Pontnewydd Community Association Hall.

The turnaround in the hall's fortunes has been attributed to the enthusiastic support of the local community, the Health Improvement Team and Costar. A £10,000 Big Lottery bid was successful and funded the installation of a modern, functional kitchen in April 2007.

The new kitchen facilities proved the catalyst that was needed and the luncheon club, which was launched in September 2006, has since gone from strength to strength, providing nutritious meals at low prices as well as somewhere for old and new friends to meet up for lunch once a week.

Jack Challenger, chair of West Pontnewydd Community Association Hall, said volunteers tried to provide healthy nutritious food at an affordable price.

"£3 for a three-course meal is excellent value for money," he said. "At the same time we're helping people to understand that healthy eating doesn't mean you can't enjoy a good traditional meal."

"Healthy eating is very important," said Councillor James, who is managing to avoid constant nibbling at events around the borough and cheerfully admits he will need to buy a new - smaller - suit after his year in office.

"We need to spread this message because ill health caused by unhealthy diets is a drain on our health services. If people take up the challenge and try to eat more healthily they will be surprised how much their general health improves.'