A SLIMMER from Evesham who lost an impressive three and half stones has said she hopes others will follow her example.

Emma Stokes of Bengeworth had tried a number of diets and weight loss programmes but had found herself unable to keep the pounds off.

So when a friend suggested she sign up for Slimming World she decided to take the plunge, and signed up for a group near her home.

Since July 2014 Mrs Stokes has lost three and half stones and only put on one and a half pounds over Christmas.

“I had struggled with my weight for many years and I didn’t think that anyone could get me to change my habits,” she said.

“But staying to the group and getting the support from the consultant, Janet, and the other members gave me loads of ideas and I began to prepare and plan meals rather than order a pizza.

“I was amazed that I could eat all my old favourites like cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese and cooked breakfasts and even make tasty versions of takeaway meals.”

She said the support of the group’s other members had been invaluable in helping her lose weight and keep it off.

“Walking into a room full of strangers is a very brave thing to do, I nearly didn’t do it but I am so glad I did,” she said.

“Now I am the first in and last to leave I just love the sense of being part of a group who understands.”

Now she has decided to use her experiences to help others by taking over the running of the Slimming World group in nearby Broadway.

“I regularly see the statistics about obesity and the associated illnesses and yet I know the pain, and sometimes the humiliation, that overweight people feel,” she said.

“I wanted to know how I could help others as others have helped me, so I am taking over the Slimming World group in Broadway and am moving it to a Monday evening to give local people more choice of groups in the area.”

Mrs Stokes is holding a taster session for anyone in Broadway interested in finding out more at the Lifford Hall in Lower Green from 2pm until 5pm on Monday, March 30. All are welcome.