Three lovely ladies from Monmouth have been voted Woman of the year by their Slimming World groups.

The Monmouth Priory 7pm Tuesday night group winner is the amazing Heather Booker.

The full time receptionist and mum of four was absolutely stunned to be voted woman of the year in her group. She said; "I only joined in July 2012 out of curiosity to see what was so different about Slimming World, I never thought it would work for me as I have struggled with my weight for over 20 years.

"On joining the group I was made to feel so welcome, and the plan was explained. Armed with my new pack I was on a mission to lose weight, I went home studied my pack and began cooking and eating. By the time of the next group I thought I may have put on weight as I had eaten so much food.

"When I got on the scales I was shocked to learn I had lost 5lb, I was hooked from then on being able to eat so much and lose weight. Heather says I feel like a new woman.

"I now go to the gym and walk to work daily and enjoy it, I still enjoy curries, pasta dishes and a roast dinner cooked the slimming world way."

Consultant Claire Shields said that Heather is a real inspiration to all who attend group; "Heather lost over five stone in six months which is incredible, as we know everyone loses weight at different speeds, according to their circumstances.

"With Slimming World we focus on the individual and their needs and everyone is encouraged to lose weight in a way that suits them.

Lynda Jones from Rockfield Community Centre Monmouth's morning group has lost an incredible six stones in weight with Gill Franklin Slimming World Consultant.

Lynda had tried all but Slimming World diets but felt this was the only one that kept the weight off. Lynda now attends the local leisure centre and is a keen Aqua Aerobics member something she could not have done previously.

She is a proud grandmother and pushes her grandson's pushchair for miles around Monmouth. Her cholesterol is now at its best and her blood pressure much much lower. The doctor is pleased and has deemed her fit and healthy.

At Slimming World Morning group Gill encourages the group to be a community group that loses weight not a group to come and weigh at. It is vital the class support each other and the friendliness of this morning group surpasses all expectations.

"Rockfield Community Centre really is the place to be if you want to make friends whilst you are on a journey as the members all sing from the same song sheet. I am the proudest consultant and proud to see not just Lynda but many more come with the successes they wish for." said Gill.

Gill, Claire and Lisa are part of Slimming World which is the UK's leading independent slimming organisation, that touches hearts and changes lives have done since 1969. The unique combination of their generous food optimising eating plan, plus the caring and powerfully motivating group environment, helps half a million people every week. To find your nearest group, please call 0844 897 8000 or log on to http://www.slimmingworld.com">www.slimmingworld.com.

Both Heather and Lynda are in criteria to go to the district finals which is for south Wales and the borders and maybe nationals so please what this space!

Contact details for Claire 07977 226746 & Gill 07738 882736