+FOR Cathy Brotherton size really does matter.

And, having just shed an amazing ten-and-a-half stone in little more than 12 months, this trim mother-of-two wants to spread the word.

Cathy, 40, from Morecambe, was diagnosed as obese by doctors after she reached a life-threatening 20-and-a-half stone.

Now, after her long battle to beat the bulge, shapely ten stone Cathy is championing the power of slimming organisation Weightwatchers by managing a class of her own in Leyland.

She explained: "Once upon a time, I had a job to walk 50 yards and needed help getting in and out of the bath.

"For me, the final straw came when I went to watch my children in a school play. As I sat down, the chair collapsed beneath me -- which motivated me to do something about my weight.

"People treat me completely differently now I've lost the weight.

"I remember going into a high-street store with my 15-year-old daughter a couple of years ago.

"A shop assistant came over to me and said 'there's nothing in here that will fit you'. She made me feel awful.

"Unfortunately, large people are treated like second-class citizens, but people need to know just how easy it can be to lose weight.

"All I would say is that people should lose weight for themselves -- not for anyone else.

"My husband and two children have been completely 100 per cent behind me.

"I love my job as a Weightwatchers leader. I would urge anyone to come along to my class to see what Weightwatchers is all about.

"It helped me, and I'm sure it will help you."

Cathy holds regular Weightwatchers classes at the Royal British Legion, School Lane, Leyland. For information give her a call on 01524 831268.