A woman who shed more than four stone in just a year could be named the country’s most inspiring slimmer.

Anji Griffiths, of Steeple, dropped the pounds and has gone from a size 18 to 10.

The super slimmer has been named Mayland’s Slimming World Woman of the Year for 2018 and has been entered into the UK-wide competition.

Anji, who lost four and a half stone, said: “I never could have dreamt that I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey.

“I started to put on weight after losing my mum.

“I tried lots of different ways to lose weight but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable – or both, in fact.”

But in August last year Anji decided to join Slimming World and within a week had lost 5lbs.

She has also taken up cycling to help boost her weight loss.

Anji added: “I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 11 months ago and winning Woman Of The Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group.

“I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Anji will go forward to the regional finals of the competition, putting her in the running for the national title where she could win £3,000.

Kay Driscoll, who runs the Mayland, Burnham and Maldon groups, added: “I’m so proud of Anji. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved is nothing short of incredible.”

The Mayland Slimming World group is held every Tuesday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm at St Barnabas’ Family Centre.

To join or find out more call Kay on 07889 143934