Mum-of-two and grandmother-of-four Sylvia lost 2st 9lb and has kept it off for an impressive 11 years.

She told the Reporter: “I worked for Polaroid for nearly 25 years and after retiring, I started to put on weight. I first became aware of it as my breathing got so bad. I couldn’t walk far without getting out of breath. I was on four inhalers and medication to try and control it. Enough was enough, I knew I had to do something. So in 2003, I joined Christine Warren’s Slimming World group at St Martin’s Church Hall in Renton.” “I was so nervous walking through the door, but Christine soon put me at ease. When she explained the eating plan, I couldn’t believe how much I would be able to eat without weighting or measuring. I was 11st 9lb – the heaviest that I have ever been.

"By making small changes and healthier choices, the weight came off and I was still eating my favourite meals like lasagne and spaghetti bolognese. Christine’s groups are warm and friendly and it’s completely free for life as long as I stay within three pounds of my target.

“My breathing improved when I reached my target weight 11 years ago and my medication was reduced – not bad for 77.

“Although its been 11 years I’m always careful and make sure I stick to the basics, it’s just habit now really. I do sometimes treat myself especially on holidays but I’m always within my target when I go back. It’s important for my health now I’m getting older.

“I still go every week on Wednesday morning, we have a great group, the people are fantastic. It’s a social group as well, I’ve met so many nice people during my time going there – which is rather long.

“Long may I stay there as we are like one big happy family.” Her consultant, Christine Warren said: “Losing weight is an amazing achievement but maintaining that weight loss is even more of a challenge – to keep it off for 11 years is absolutely fantastic. Sylvia is proof that Slimming World isn’t just a quick fix, it changes people’s lives forever.” Call 07873 392559 for details of Christine’s slimming group.