A RUBERY woman is celebrating her battle with the bulge after losing three and a half stone.

Twelve months ago Vicki Ahmed was feeling down in the dumps after a Christmas of indulgence. Her weight had climbed to the highest it had ever been and she was unable to face clothes shopping in the January sales.

It was then Vicki decided it was time for a change and joined the Slimming World group at Our Lady's Church Hall, Leach Green Lane.

"Walking through the doors for the first time was the hardest part," she said. "However the welcome I received from Paula, the Slimming World consultant, put me at ease and after going through the eating plan with her I was motivated to losing my weight."

Now Vicki has managed to lose the weight and as a result of her success she was treated to a hair and beauty makeover at Aroura Hair and Bodyfirm in Rednal.

Vicki added: "Losing the weight and receiving the makeover has given me a new confidence I never knew I had and I am now looking forward to clothes shopping for the summer.

"I would like to thank all at Aroura and Bodyfirm for pampering me and to Paula for her support throughout the year to keep me on track." For more information about Slimming World contact Paula Hooper on 0121 243 1212.