BEING overweight caused great misery for one Rubery woman, especially as it meant she could not play with her baby daughter.

Paula Hooper, of New Road, had always been conscious of her figure but after going through an operation to correct a back injury she really began to pile on the pounds.

Both her back pains and her spiralling weight meant she could not play with her toddler Ellie, which led to feelings of depression and isolation.

But last November, when Paula reached a dress-size 18, she decided enough was enough and signed up for a Slimming World class.

Eight months later slim-line Paula was gliding into a neat size 12 and has launched her own slimming class to help people in the same predicament.

Friend and fellow slimmer Lynette Wilson said: "Paula's transformation is fantastic, she looks just like a model now! But the best thing is she has a new lease of life and can play with Ellie as much as she wants."

Last Monday was Paula's first outing as a Slimming World consultant at the Hollymoor Centre on Rubery's Great Park.

"It went brilliantly, Paula was just so excited and she just loves working with other people," added Lynette.

"Her husband has been very supportive and he even came along to the class on Monday and loved it too - even though he doesn't need to lose a pound."

The class runs every Monday. For further details call Paula on 0121 243 1212.