Somerset all rounder Ian Blackwell is beginning to feel the benefits of his new dietary regime.

"Blackie" has been on a very strict diet since the end of the festive season on January 6th, during which he happily admits he "had a bit of a blow out."

Earlier today at the County Ground the 23-year-old, who is working in the office over the winter, told me: "Since I went on the diet a month ago I have lost six kilogrammes, which is very pleasing indeed."

Ian told me that he intends to stick to the new regime, and has been helped by the fact that his partner Clare is only buying foods that fit in with his new diet. "If it isn't in the house then I can't eat it, which is a great help," he said.

One of the downsides that "Blackie" is experiencing is the fact that many of his clothes don't fit him now as well as they did before his diet. "Look at these trousers, I had them made for me when I went out to play in the Hong Kong Sixes, and now they are too big round the waist!" he said.

"Blackie" has been joined on his diet by fast bowler Ian Jones, who was released by Somerset at the end of last season. Since then the 24-year-old has remained living locally, and is keen to try to find a new county for himself for 2002.

Ian Blackwell said: "Ian Jones is also feeling the benefits of the diet that we are both following. It's been a great help for both of us, it's always good to have someone to help you along."

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