There is a size 12 wedding dress with Emma Hunton's name on it and when she finds it, she is determined it will fit.

Emma, 20, and her mum, Anne, 43, joined our Shape Up competition to improve their health and fitness in preparation for Emma's wedding in June.

The pair have been determined to shed the pounds since the summer, but started to panic after over indulging at Christmas.

Now, they both want to loose a couple of stones with the help of the Evening Press and Courtney's at Water World, Monks Cross.

"We don't really do any exercise at the moment," said Anne, of Easingwold. "We both find weight goes straight on our hips and I probably need to loose three or four stone to be a glamorous mother of the bride."

Anne, who has been overweight for some time, says unless she loses the weight, she will not go to the wedding.

But, with a self-confessed love of junk food, neither mother nor daughter pays much attention to healthy eating.

"Emma is addicted to crisps, chocolate and Chinese takeaways, whereas I'm a picky eater but with a good appetite," said Anne. "Emma doesn't like fruit and vegetables, only peas and raw carrots and we're both couch potatoes.

"I've tried Weight Watchers and Slimming World but nothing's worked. Last year, I had a hysterectomy and I used that as an excuse not to exercise.

"I also work shifts as a care assistant at St Monica's Hospice, so I either have my tea late at night or eat all night long to keep me awake. I'm desperate to get thin."

Emma said her fianc, Darryl, and father, David were supportive of their plight.

"I want to lose two or three stones," she said. "Everything's more or less organised for the wedding apart from my dress, and I want to make sure I can wear a nice one when I've lost the weight."

Calling all entrants to our Shape Up competition!

Thank your for entering Shape Up, we have had a fantastic response and been inspired by your dedication to improve your health and fitness.

The next step is to log your current weight with Courtney's at Water World, Monk's Cross, at its weigh-in day on Friday, January 28.

The team at Courtney's will offer you help and advice on exercise and nutrition, and the Evening Press will be there between 1pm and 2pm to catch up on your progress.

If you cannot make Friday, you can make an appointment for Saturday by calling Courtney's on 01904 642111.

Those of you who qualified for a free three-month pass for Courtney's will be notified on weigh-in day, but even if you do not receive a pass, you will get free use of Courtney's and Water World's facilities for up to two hours on weigh-in days.

<bullet/> If you have any medical illness or take regular medication, you can discuss health issues with NHS Direct before undertaking exercise, who might then refer you to your doctor.

Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Updated: 09:22 Friday, January 21, 2005