Louise, 39, has lost a staggering seven stones and has gone from a size 24 to a size 10.

Louise told the Reporter: “I was always a bigger girl but it never really bothered me, well that’s what I used to tell myself anyway.

“I used to work abroad for a tour operator and lead a very active lifestyle, but when I moved back here, I was sitting behind a desk and before I knew it the pounds were piling on.” “In January 2013, I took my nephew Ronan to a carnival. He was so excited and wanted on a caterpillar roller coaster ride. After queuing for about 20 minutes, Ronan took his seat but I was mortified when I couldn’t fit into mine.

“People were sniggering at me, I had to take Ronan off and walk by everyone. He was so upset – the worst thing was explaining to him that I was too big to fit into the seat. I was so ashamed, I had reached an all time low.

“My mum told me about a local Slimming World group at St. Martin’s Church Hall, Renton and convinced me to go. Stepping on the scales for the first time was a huge shock to me – 17 st. 10 lbs. I was devastated.

“Then the lovely consultant, Christine Warren, said to me: ‘Don’t worry, we won’t see that weight ever again’.

“When Christine explained how the Extra Easy plan worked, I couldn’t believe it. How could I eat things like burgers, steak and chips, even curries and still lose weight. My first week I lost five pounds. I was amazed. This wasn’t like a diet, it was learning to make the right choices, preparing a healthier version of my favourite meals and still having a chocolate bar for my treat without feeling guilty.” Louise still visits the Wednesday night groups for the support.

She added: “Without Christine and her amazing support, I could never have done it.

“My lifestyle has changed completely. I used to be in so much pain walking – my joints would hurt all over. I had constant back pain and I was frightened I would develop diabetes.

“Now, I am a regular gym user and love the high impact classes. I can run around with my nephew and nieces without getting out of breath. This Summer we went to a fairground and I could fit in the dreaded caterpillar roller coaster, it was the most amazing feeling in the world.

“When friends see me now, they have to look twice as they don’t recognise me after losing seven stone. Shopping for clothes was a nightmare – size 24 clothes made me look frumpy – now I buy size 10 trendy clothes and I can even swap clothes with my friends, something I never thought I would be able to do”.

Mentor Christine Warren told the Reporter: “I am so proud of Louise. She is now a beautiful, confident woman and is a great inspiration to the other members.” After winning the local title Louise will now contest the Scottish Slimmer of the Year competition on September 13. Two finalists will then go on to the nationwide contest to compete for a luxury holiday in Dubai or £3,000.

Christine’s groups take place at St. Martin’s Church Hall, Main Street, Renton.