TWO former Dumbarton school pals shed seven stones between them after one friend asked the other to be her bridesmaid.

And now Emma Thomson and Emily MacFarlane, both 23, have been crowned Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2017 for their Alexandria groups.

Emily joined Slimming World last October, five days after a family wedding. She dropped from a size 16 to a size eight.

She said: “On the day of the wedding I was absolutely mortified as the dress I had bought didn’t fit me.

“I decided there and then I needed to do something about my weight – I was so unhappy.

“My mum recommended me to go to Christine Warren’s Slimming World group as that’s where she achieved her target weight.”

“A few weeks after I joined, my best friend Emma asked me to be her bridesmaid – that gave me the motivation to keep going.

“Emma and I have been friends for 20 years now and having someone there with me sharing meal ideas and supporting each other really helped me reach my goal.

“The group support is always there, good weeks and bad, there is no judgement, just loads of encouragement, especially from Christine.

“I was a size 16 when I joined and now I am a size 8! I can now buy clothes in shops that other 23 year olds go to. And, that dress that was too tight for me, I was determined to wear it.

“So, after getting it taken in 14 inches I was delighted to wear it to another wedding a few weeks ago!”

Emma said: “After becoming engaged last September, the realisation set in that I did not feel or look how I would want to on my wedding day.

“So in January I joined Christine’s Tuesday 7pm group. Although I was apprehensive at first, Christine’s group was so warm and friendly.

“I have never once felt deprived – it didn’t seem like a diet – it’s a lifestyle change! I make much healthier choices now.

“I can still have my favourite crisps and chocolate but in moderation. I love to cook and my favourite meal is Honey Chilli Chicken.

“I have felt incredibly supported – whether it be from the other group members or a text message or letter from Christine mid-week, she is always there for us.

“After losing three and a half stones, I went to my first wedding dress appointment. I now know when the time comes to buy my dress, I will be able to choose any shape or style – dreams do come true at Slimming World!”

Slimming World consultant Christine Warren told the Reporter: “Each of them has lost three and a half stones – that’s a whopping seven stones between them! They look stunning and are now full of confidence.”

She added: “I am so pleased for Emma and Emily – two beautiful girls who are going to look and feel amazing at the wedding – what an achievement!”

The groups Christine runs are on Tuesday 10am, 5pm and 7pm and Wednesday 10am and noon.