MOTHER-of-four Emma Selby is looking a shadow of her former self - and she could not be more delighted.

In the space of two years, she has shed more than seven stones and dropped from a size 26 to a size ten.

After completing her first three-mile Race for Life event, she is now in training for next year's Great North Run.

Ms Selby started losing weight when taking her children to the park was tiring.

"It was no fun watching the children with loads of energy and having none myself to join in the fun," she said

She joined Weightwatchers and the gym at her local leisure centre, in Bedale

"It has changed my life," she said. I can join in a kick about with the football or join the children on the swings.

"The children think my achievements are 'ace' and my 11-year-old is already looking forward to coming to the gym with me."