THIS slim Worcester mum looks dazzling in a fitting black dress as she celebrates losing almost five stone in less than 12 months.

Zoey Patrick, 29, of Barbourne, weighed 14st 11lbs, wore size 18 clothes and hid her figure behind scarves and cardigans in 2014.

But - after signing up to a Slimming World group in Perdiswell - she shed the pounds, re-built her confidence and transformed her life for the better.

“It’s like a dream come true and it has given me a new lease of life”, said Mrs Patrick, who now weighs a lean 10st and wears size 10.

“Slimming World has not only completely changed my life but my family’s too, as my husband has also lost weight.

“I used to look at slimmer women when out in public and wished I could look like them – but now I’m more confident and I love clothes shopping.”

Mrs Patrick was named woman of the year by her local group, which meets on Thursday nights, and she has put much of her success down to its “warm and welcoming” sessions.

“The sharing, fun and atmosphere of the group have helped me the most and I have found true and proper friends who are on the same wavelength”, said the slimmer.

“I eat more than I did before I joined, but now I know everything on the table is healthy – including lean meat, fish, potatoes, pasta, rice and fresh fruit and vegetables.

“I can’t believe how it works but it does.

“Now I’ve got loads of extra energy and can do more physical activities with my children.”

Consultant Peggy Sowerby, who runs the classes, added: “I am so incredibly proud of Zoey – she has done so well and is such an inspiration to the rest of the group.

“Losing so much weight is amazing."