USUALLY the announcement of a wedding sends the bride-to-be into a fluster about her weight, counting calories ahead of a day in front of the camera.

But when Bev Watts' daughter Kirstie announced her engagement, the New College employee decided the time had come to change her lifestyle for the better.

And so successful was the weight loss programme and fitness regime she started on two years ago, Bev is now in training for this year's London Marathon.

"I didn't do any exercise at all before," the 54-year-old mum said.

"I ate what I wanted, when I wanted.

"I'd always done a lot of exercise as a child, but it just stopped somewhere along the line and before I knew it I was a size 20.

"And I didn't want to be a size 20 in my daughter's wedding photographs,"

Luckily for Bev, her job in New College's reprographics department meant she had easy access to an on-site gym, which is also open to members of the general public.

And with guidance from staff at the gym, she embarked on a fitness plan at the same time as joining a slimming club.

"When I realised that something needed to change I went to speak to the sports centre manager and he was really supportive," she said.

"He talked to me about my goals and what I wanted to achieve and then he put together an exercise programme for me and walked me through it.

"I also joined a slimming club because I knew I also needed to sort out my eating."

With the wedding date set for August 2006, Bev didn't have long but she beat the deadline reaching her target weight and dress size with a month spare.

Now, still four stone lighter and four dress sizes smaller Bev is stepping up the pace to take on the 26-mile run through the capital's streets in aid of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London.

Bev said: "I lost nearly four stone in two years and I'm now happy with my weight and really enjoying the exercise.

"I've decided that it's time for a new challenge so I'm going to run the London Marathon, which is something I'm really looking forward to - but it's going to be tough!"

Her marathon efforts, in both weight loss and getting fitter, have earned her praise at the New College gym.

Dan Thorley, sports centre manager, said: "Bev's done amazingly well, she's been really committed to her exercise programme and she's worked really hard to achieve her goals.

"In order to maintain weight loss you have to have a realistic exercise programme that you can enjoy, which involves healthy eating and exercise for life, not just for a few months until you've shifted those Christmas calories."

Any local businesses or individuals who are interested in sponsoring Bev can make a donation on www.justgiving.co.uk or by emailing Bev at beverley.watts@newcollege.ac.uk