A Doddington woman, who says losing three stone helped save her life when she suffered heart problems, has won a bronze award for helping people in the area shed weight - after just three weeks of opening the group.

Diane Baldry, who runs the village Slimming World, was given the bronze status for her newly launched morning group which has seen success in supporting people reach their dream weights, improve their health and change lives.

She said: “I am delighted to receive the award. After just three weeks since opening the group I feel passionately about helping people transform their lives by losing weight in the same way I did when I lost three stone with Slimming World in 2009.

“Losing weight has made me healthier and saved my life after I suffered a serious heart problem 18 months ago thanks to Slimming World and Papworth hospital I survived.

“Seeing the members in my Doddington morning group of all ages reach target weight is so rewarding.”

She said the award belonged to members of the morning group which compliments the evening group’s gold award achieved last year.

The accolades are awarded to consultants who successfully build vibrant and dynamic groups of around 50 members.

Doddington Slimming World meets on Mondays in the Methodist chapel behind the clock tower at 9.30am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.