A SLIMMER who shed a massive 10 stone will represent East Anglia in the semi-finals of Slimming World’s 2011 Woman of the Year competition.

Carol Hawkins of Wisbech joined 43 finalists from across 217 Slimming World groups in East Anglia and Cambridgeshire at the competition’s district finals stage.

And as a result of dropping from a size 26 to a size 12/14 in little more than a year she will now represent the region in October’s event in Derbyshire.

Ms Hawkins said: “Although sceptical at first, I was made to feel so welcome at the Wisbech Slimming World Group and was amazed at how much food I could eat while still losing weight.

“Nothing is banned and my appetite was always satisfied. Not only have I eaten healthier and dropped six dress sizes, I have also been encouraged to be more active and now really enjoy running, something I could never have imagined myself doing.”

The super-slimmer joins Jacqueline Rhodes from St Neots and Ruth Bruty from Haverhill in representing East Anglia at the showcase event.

The trio still have a chance of being crowned 2011 Woman of the Year in Birmingham in November to win a 14-night all inclusive holiday in Mexico or �3,000 cash.

Melanie Lea, East Anglia’s Slimming World district manager, said: “All three finalists have battled their weight for many years and have turned their lives around becoming healthier, fitter while renewing their confidence and self esteem. They’ve done a great job.”