PEOPLE in Wellington can be forgiven for thinking a new road sweeper is in town, writes Barry Knott.

That’s because Dave Burge, 58, a road sweeper for 13 years, has lost an incredible nine stone since January.

He weighed in at 25 stone at the start of the year before being hospitalised with Diabetes 2. He was warned by a doctor he was ‘lucky to be alive’.

Since coming out of hospital Dave has shed the weight by dieting and ‘giving up drinking’ – when he went out he used to drink eight or nine pints.

“I haven’t had a pint since January and I feel so much better,” said Dave, who walks between four and five miles a day keeping Wellington’s streets clean.

Born in Stogursey, Dave has lived in Wellington for 35 years. He suffered bouts of leukemia in 2010 and 2013 which required chemotherapy.

“I’ve been told I’m free of the disease,” added Dave. “I also have my diabetes under control by eating sensibly – mostly porridge for breakfast, salads for lunch and fish for dinner. No more pasties and pies.”

His waist has reduced from 44 to 36 inches and he is looking to lose even more weight – but sensibly.