AFTER losing four stone and winning a slimming competition, Okehampton's Gill Kiddle has a slim waistline and a big smile.

Gill lost weight with her local Slimming World group, and has dropped from 15 stone to 11 stone in just one year. Her transformation led to her being named Okehampton's Slimming World Woman of the Year 2013.

The woman of the year competition recognises the achievements of women in making long-term healthy lifestyle changes for themselves and their families. Gill was voted by the 40 members of the Okehampton group to be their winner.

Gill said: 'I have struggled with my weight most of my life. I had no energy and no confidence. I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry and miserable. Slimming World is completely different, I never have to go hungry and after losing four stone I'm the happiest I've been in years.'

The group's diet plan focuses on eating plenty of healthy food and cutting out processed food and sugary snacks.

Gill said: 'I am a cook at the Red Rooster Café in town so I work with food every day. My family and friends are all amazed how much I can eat and still lose weight.

'I cook for them now and they can't believe it's all healthy food because it tastes so good. I still eat all the same meals that I did before but now I cook and prepare them differently.'

Vickie Mills, who runs the Okehampton group, said: 'I'm so proud of Gill. Not only does she look fabulous, she's improved her health and is bursting with energy.

'She's a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women in Okehampton to change their lives in the same way.

'It can be hard to admit that you need to do something about your weight and to ask for help, but I think Gill shows just what's possible when you do.'

The Okehampton Slimming World group is held every Tuesday at 5.30pm and Wednesday at 10am at Fairplace Church. To join or find out more call Vickie on 01837 840886.