IT CONSULTANT, Andy King, has ditched junk food and beer and taken up running – losing more than five stone as a result.

Andy decided to change his lifestyle after realising he was out of shape back in 2013.

Now the 42-year-old is set to join up to 25,000 runners on the start line of the Morrisons Great South Run, as it marks its 25th year in Portsmouth.

It will be the third time Andy has run the course, which is the world’s leading 10 mile running event.

In between he has also taken part in competitive swimming and more than 20 triathlon competitions.

Andy decided to change his lifestyle two years ago after a gentle push from his wife Antonia prompted him to join Slimming World.

Andy, of Southampton Road, Fareham, said: “After my first Slimming World meeting I was focused on getting fit again and went straight out for a run.

“I haven’t had a sip of beer since that day and am celebrating 10 years since I ditched the cigarettes in 2005.”

Andy, who once tipped the scales at nearly 19 stone, now weighs less than 14 stone and is hoping to beat his personal best for the run of one hour 14 minutes.

“I like the Morrisons Great South Run, I like Portsmouth and I think that ten miles is a nice distance to run,” said Andy.

“It’s a great day out and the support you get from the public spurring you on around the course is really heart-warming.

“I don’t do a lot of training – I tend to keep busy running other events to keep my fitness up.

“Five and a half stone is a lot of weight to lose and exercising has helped me keep my body in good shape.

“Now I really enjoy keeping active and it has completely changed my lifestyle for the better.”

The Morrisons Great South Run course takes in Portsmouth landmarks including HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, and ends with a final two miles along Southsea seafront.

The event will take place in Portsmouth on Sunday, October 25.

Enter the run at www.greatrun.org/south.