JOY GOSLING is almost half the woman she used to be after she shed 7st 2lb to prevent a family tragedy repeating.

Mrs Gosling who suffered from high blood pressure, realised it was time to take action when she reached the same age as her father when he suffered a heart attack.

She slimmed from 17st 5lb to 10st 2lb and from a size 24 to about a size 12 in 16 months.

The 43-year-old, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, has also become Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness magazine's regional slimmer of the year.

After trying many diets, none of which worked, Mrs Gosling joined her local Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club.

She received her award, along with a bottle of champagne and a personalised sweatshirt from Rosemary Conley, at a winner's ceremony at the company's headquarters in Quorn, Leicestershire.

Ms Conley said: "Joy has achieved a tremendous weight-loss and we are delighted to present her with a regional slimmer of the year award.

"Joy has beaten off competition from hundreds of other slimmers around the UK to reach the regional finals in these awards."

Mrs Gosling's health has improved as she has lost weight, and her blood pressure is now back to normal.