TWO food-loving business owners are going head-to-head in a bid to shed more than six stones each. . . while raising money for charity.

Matt Sandison, who runs The Grange Restaurant and Steakhouse in North Berwick, is doing battle with Prestonpans resident Peter Whellans, owner of Braw Burgers & Pizza takeaways in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The friends were each tipping the scales at just under 28 stones when they began their challenge at the beginning of the month and have set themselves a target of both losing six stones.

As well as improving their health, they are keen to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Matt, 46, told the Courier he has dropped almost a stone in weight already.

He said: “I’ve joined the gym and I’ve been going swimming every day.

“Because of the hours we work, we sometimes eat at crazy times but for me it’s about cutting out chocolate and ice-cream and making changes to live healthier.”

He added that part of his motivation was a family history of heart problems.

“My dad [Malcolm] has had some problems with his heart and my uncle [Malcolm’s brother] died of a heart attack so it’s about making a lifestyle change,” he said.

“Neither Peter nor I have been the healthiest – we eat too much and drink too much beer.”

Matt, 46, and Peter, 41, plan to do the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in September and Matt says they have not put time limits on their weight loss just yet.

He was also adamant they would not stop once they reached the 20-stone mark, adding: “I’m 6ft 8in so the first goal is to get down to about 20 stone but I don’t want to lose too much. Peter is only about 5ft 11in so he’s a lot shorter than I am.”

The loser of the weight-loss challenge will pay a £600 forfeit to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Between them, the pair have set a fundraising target of £1,500, with donations being made online or in their respective shops.

Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/grangebraw