THEY may be trying to tighten their belts, but slimmers proved more than generous at a food amnesty.

Slimming World groups from Eastleigh, Colden Common, Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, Crestwood, Velmore, Knightwood, Badger Farm and Stanmore had organised the event.

Members were asked to take in all the Christmas food-based presents they had received or items left in cupboards that they should not be eating during sessions in January.

However, not only crisps and chocolate were donated, but soups, pasta and tinned food.

Food collected, thought to be worth about £500, will now be taken to the Winchester Churches Nightshelter, which offers shelter, food and support for the homeless from across Hamsphire.

Lorraine Westall, Eastleigh Slimming World consultant, said: “We just thought it’s al-ways the same – people buy lots of extras over Christmas and you have got crisps and chocolate looking at you tempting you, so it was just to get it out and do something good with it rather than wasting it.”