A SLIMMING star has lost three and a half stones in five months. Val Hazell, from Heybridge, has also won the local round of Slimming World challenge.

The group, which meets every Monday from 6pm until 8pm at Plantation Hall, Heybridge, voted for Val to represent them at the national competition.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was called out and I realised I’d won our group’s Woman of the Year 2009 title. I’m so honoured because every woman in the group is so amazing and has made so many positive changes to their life by losing weight.

“My weight loss has made such a huge difference. I’m healthier, happier and more confident. That’s the best prize I could ask for and this really is the icing on the cake.”