TWO Hampshire women got to rub shoulders with television star Vernon Kay at a glitzy anniversary.

Gemma Walters and Anne Wilson - who run weight loss classes in Weeke and Four Marks respectively - met the celebrity at Slimming World's 40th birthday party.

The Radio 1 presenter heaped praise on both women and the group's founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell.

"I've met a lot of inspirational people during my career, and Gemma, Anne and Margaret are all just that - inspirational," said the 35-year-old.

"Meeting Vernon was a wonderful way to end what's been a fabulous Ruby anniversary year," said Mrs Wilson, 44. "At our Slimming World groups we've had a great time celebrating throughout 2009 and we're going to keep that buzz and excitement going right through 2010."