Mum Kate Watson is starting 2014 fighting fit after losing more than seven stone in weight and halving her dress size.

Mrs Watson, 35, a former pupil of Hardenhuish School, Chippenham, is now launching her own branch of Slimming World in St Paul’s Church Hall, Chippenham on January 28 to help others.

She said: “I am so happy with my own weight loss and the difference it has made to my health and fitness that I want to help others achieve the same thing.”

She was dragged along to a Slimming World meeting by her sister Emma near Mrs Watson’s home at Paxcroft Mead, Hilperton.

She said: “My sister was worried about me but I really didn’t want to go. I was scared I would be the biggest in the room. I was so warmly welcomed and supported that, a year later, I have only missed one meeting, they are like my second family.”

She has dropped from nearly 18 stone to 10st 2lb and has gone from a dress size 24 to a 12.

She said: “It is wonderful to be able to go shopping now and find clothes appropriate for my age. Before I had to buy things meant for much older women.”

Her sales manager husband Alistair, 41, and children Cameron, 12, and Holly, eight, have been very supportive.

She has taken up running and regularly runs up to 8k several days a week and has also taken part in the 5k Race For Life.

She said: “The beauty of Slimming World is that nothing is banned so I really do believe I can do this for the rest of my life.”

To find out more about Mrs Watson’s new class in Chippenham, contact her on 07734 438896.