LOOKING at Caroline Eccles today, it's hard to believe the 6ft stunner could ever have struggled with her weight.

Modelling a range of bright clothes in the monthly WeightWatchers Magazine, it's clear why the company's local class leaders have nicknamed her "the lovely Caroline".

But less than two years ago she was tipping the scales at 13st 7lbs - although her weight had previously peaked at 15st 7lbs.

Now, at 11st 5lbs, Caroline is a size 12-14 and going by the glamourous pictures in the magazine you'd never know the 38-year-old had not been modelling her entire life - as her warm smile beams out from the glossy pages.

Caroline's weight had spiralled from the age of 23 as a result of an underactive thyroid gland - which can lead to lethargy and excessive tiredness, which in turn naturally encourages weight gain.

At the worst point, Caroline, of Abbey Meads, couldn't leave her bed for three months.

With the help of a homeopathist, she got the condition under control, and with husband Steve began to make plans to start a family.

But during her pregnancy with son Harrison, now seven, Caroline developed a huge appetite - which stayed with her after the birth and lasted through until the arrival of their second child, Madeleine, three.

By this time Caroline's weight had reached 15st 10lbs and she decided it was time to change. Joining WeightWatchers two years ago, Caroline knew she would have to change her entire lifestyle to lose weight and keep it off.

By opting for the Points system - where all foods and drinks have a value calculated by the number of calories and the amount of saturated fat they contain - she has been able to still enjoy treats like chocolate and wine, while successfully dropping from a size 22 and shedding four stones.

Such has been her level of success, that Caroline decided to become a class leader herself 12 months ago, which allows her the luxury of being a stay at home mum during office hours, while going out to work twice a week for meetings at Haydon Wick and Highworth.

"It is the most rewarding job I have ever had," she said.

"To see people changing is amazing. When you get a new member join, they are so quiet and don't have much confidence.

"But as time goes on, they become more vocal in the meetings as the pounds come off. They change the clothes they wear, have a new haircut and it's all signs of their increased confidence."

As well as the freedom afforded by the Points system, meaning no food is completely off limits, Caroline says the biggest change in her eating habits over the past two years has been psychological in terms of thinking about what she will be eating, and planning meals rather than just opting for the quickest and simplest meal in the cupboard.

"Getting more fruit and veg into my diet and not picking between meals was also a big change," she said.

"But really, it's all about thinking and giving yourself time to think before eating.

"I save myself three Points every day for a WeightWatchers chocolate roll and a glass of wine.

"I earn three extra Points on the rowing machine every day too, though I don't use them - but if I have a larger glass of wine then I know it's not a problem."