A MARRIED mum-of-one has gone from podgy parent to yummy mummy after losing six stone and dropping from size 24 to size 12 in just over a year.

Melissa Ashworth, 32, joined Rishton Slimming World after becoming fed up with trying fad diets that left her hungry and deprived.

She said: “My motivation is definitely my little girl Kirsten and the fact that I needed to be active to keep up with her. Plus I didn’t want to be known as the ‘fat mum’ at the school gates.

“As a working mum I wanted something that would fit into my daily life and also something that would fit around my family.”

Slimming World consultant, Andrea Miles, sat down with Melissa, from Lower Darwen, and explained the eating plan, which offers unlimited ‘free’ foods including potatoes, pasta and rice, while Melissa sat through image therapy and shared stories with other members.

She said: “I was really encouraged by how friendly and supportive the rest of the group were. I couldn’t believe I could still eat my favourite foods and lose weight. Sticky chicken, salad and chips soon became my favourite meal.”

Melissa lost half a stone in her first two weeks and went on to lose a further five and a half stone, leaving her with a svelte figure.

She has gone from being inactive to walking every day and could be in contention for the Slimmer of the Year Award.

Melissa said: “My husband Patrick is proud of me for doing it because I have gone on diets in the past, lost a couple of stone and put it back on again. It’s like he has the woman he first met back again.

“My daughter always asks me how much I’ve lost when I pick her up from school. If I haven’t lost anything she will say ‘never mind, maybe next week’ and she gets excited when another award goes on the fridge.”

Consultant Andrea said: “Melissa is a really valued member of the Rishton Slimming World group.

“As with all my members I’m very proud of her and what she has achieved.

“There have been times when, like all members, Melissa’s weightloss journey wasn’t easy and times she may have given up she didn’t. Melissa has shown true commitment to her weightloss journey.”

Slimming World groups are held on Wednesdays at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.15pm at Rishton Cricket Club.

For more information contact Andrea Miles on 07947352261.