A slimmer who opened up on how losing weight changed her life has been described as an 'inspiration'.

Claire Wood, 40, of Little Urswick, began her slimming journey in 2014 when she shed an incredible 8st 10lb in 13 months under the guidance of slimming world consultant Karen Clarke.

Ms Wood said: “I lost the weight and it totally changed my life because I could do more with my kids and I wasn’t tired all the time.

“I walked into that first slimming group with my head to the floor; I had tried everything and I’d struggled with my weight since I was a teenager.

“To tell you the truth, I sat outside three times in a row thinking I can’t do it because I was going to be the biggest person there but it was like walking into someone’s living room because I was with people who were in the same boat.

“I see people coming in how I was, that can’t even lift their head up, and within a few weeks or months they are totally different people."

Readers of The Mail offered praise for the woman, now a Slimming World team developer, on social media.

Linda Laing said: “That is amazing. What an inspiration.”

Marie Moss said: “Looking good Claire.”

Pam Burton said: “Great results, she’s done really well.”

Stephen Watson said: “Well done Claire. 8st in a year is amazing. Well done."

Kayele Appleby said: “Well done Claire.”

Wanting to help others like herself, Claire began running three weekly Slimming World groups in Ulverston and is now preparing to take over the South Lakes team.