A SUPER slimmer from York who has shed nearly seven stone has won an award for her inspiring weight loss.

Nicola Walker, 34, of Byland Avenue, off Huntington Road, has gone from 19st 5.5lbs to 12st 8lbs in just 50 weeks.

She was thrilled to be crowned ‘Woman of the Year’ in her Slimming World group, based at St Aelred’s Community Centre, in Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall.

The mother-of-five joined the group in September last year after becoming increasingly unhappy with her size.

She said: “I started to put on weight after my first child was born, and after another four pregnancies, I was at my biggest.

"I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.”

Nicola says losing 6st 11.5lbs and dropping five dress sizes has given her a major confidence boost.

She explained: “When I started out I never dreamt I’d be able to achieve all that I have.

“As the weight started to come off and I began moving down dress sizes – I’ve gone from a size 24 to a 14 – I started to believe I could actually lose the weight and keep it off.

“Losing the weight has made such a huge difference, it’s changed my life.

"I’ve got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn’t before.

“My fitness has improved and I enjoy being active now rather than thinking of it as a chore. I’m more confident and I like the slim, happy, positive person I see in the mirror."

Lou Knott, who runs the St Aelred’s group, said: “Not only does she look fabulous, she’s improved her health and is bursting with energy.

"She’s a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope she inspires other women, and men, in York to change their lives in the same way.”