A Leominster woman has received the Slimming World's Pearl Certificate Award after she helped members lose more than 3,000lbs during the past year.

Ann Kent-Phillips, who holds a slimming class at Leominster Community Room on Tuesday evenings, has helped make the town one of the best weight losing areas in the country.

She said: "This job is so special. Watching someone change from having no confidence, being embarrassed about their size and wearing shapeless clothes to someone who looks and feels great, brings its own rewards on a daily basis.

Proud

"But to have your work recognised in this way is, I must admit, a proud moment for me, and I was thrilled to receive the Slimming Worlds' Pearl Award on behalf of the Leominster Tuesday class."

Meanwhile, Herefordshire's Slimming World consultants are celebrating being in the top five areas of the country for helping people shed the pounds - more than 40,000 has been lost in 2002.

Anyone requiring further information can contact Ann on 01568 708446.