MEET the 12 people who will be taking part in North Devon's Weight Loss Challenge.

Fitness expert Wayne Large picked the dozen contestants from 50 applicants.

Today we reveal who the 12 are — and their motivation for trying to lose weight.

All 12 will be put through a programme of exercise and nutrition advice to help them shed pounds and inches.

At the same time they will be raising money for charity, by making monthly donations to the North Devon Hospice.

Wayne, who runs the Studio fitness centre in Barnstaple, explained how he chose the participants.

"My trainers and myself were looking for 12 people who wanted to make a lifestyle change.

"The process was simple. Everyone was going to be put through two eight-minute interval training sessions, working for 30 seconds followed by a 10 second rest for a total of eight minutes.

"We were looking for 12 individuals who, no matter how difficult it became they persevered.

"For anyone to make a lifestyle change it takes a lot of dedication and a passion. The fact that we had more than 50 people apply made it very difficult for us to decide on 12 people. Everyone who applied worked so hard. In the end it came down to three of us having to agree to 12 people.

"The 12 people chosen really impressed us but to be honest we could have picked everyone. We truly were shocked at how many people really wanted to make a change to their health and fitness.

"The interval training sessions were quite intense, and the 12 people we selected were chosen because of their spirit, their determination, and most of all because they kept smiling all the way through the session. Exercise should be fun."

If you are interested in finding out more about the program contact Wayne on 01271 812103 or 07817542239.

You can also e-mail Wayne info@exercisenutritioncoach. co.uk