BLUNSDON now has its own Slimming World group after super-slimmer Nicky Rogers was inspired to become a consultant following her own success.

The 40-year-old, who recently left a 22-year career with the Army, decided shortly after her birthday last year to do something about her weight, which had began to creep up shortly after her 40th birthday.

The mum of two knew something had to be done after avoiding shopping with her daughter because of her weight.

She spotted a Slimming World banner hanging from the school rails and decided to join the Taw Hill group.

She contacted the consultant Joanne Stone, who was standing in while regular consultant Heather Zych was on who had just started her maternity leave, and was told to go along to the Friday morning meeting.

She said: “Right from the start I felt welcomed into the group environment and found the group to be very friendly and warming towards new members.

"The whole group got involved and shared their ideas for new recipes and how to tackle those tough days which everybody has.

"Whilst in group you notice straight away there is no judgement and everybody is on the same journey so can relate to how you feel on those bad days.”

Since joining the group last March, Nicky has lost four stone and seven pounds.

“Since losing my weight and reaching target my self-esteem has increased and I love going shopping for clothes,” she said.

“I feel fitter and healthier and go out walking with my family and dogs for further distances.”

The group has now become a lifeline for Nicky to keep track of her weight. She said: “We have a great Facebook page where everybody in group share their meals and experiences throughout the week, this is a great lifeline and the support you get from other embers is priceless whether you just need a new recipe idea or just feeling a little low and would like further encouragement.

“No food is off limits whether you syn it or it is part of all the fantastic free foods. Quite often I have family members come to stay and we always cook the Slimming World recipes for them and they love the food they receive.

"Both of my children have favourite recipes like the burgers with a Babybel in the middle and the Slimming World chips I make. but Richard and I love to make the curries and Thais.”

She will now operate her own group and attempt to inspire others to lose weight.

It started on April 6 and meets every Monday at Blunsdon Village Hall at 7.30pm