A woman from Norwich has lost almost half her original weight while attending a Slimming World group in Taverham.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Hales with her mum Joyce Cox in 2016. Photo provided by Sue HalesSue Hales with her mum Joyce Cox in 2016. Photo provided by Sue Hales (Image: Archant)

Sue Hales, 54, weighed over seventeen stone when she joined slimming world in 2017. She now weighs just over nine stone and has gone from a size 24 to a size 10.

Mrs Hales attributes her weight loss success to her local Slimming World group leader Vanessa Thorpe, 35.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Hales lost over 8 stone. Photo provided by Sue HalesSue Hales lost over 8 stone. Photo provided by Sue Hales (Image: Archant)

She said: 'Vanessa is amazing. She has the group in stitches every week which makes going so much fun as well as it being functional.

'She is also really inspiring. She has had a really tough year herself this year but despite this is always there to support and encourage all of us.'

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Hales (right) with her mum Joyce Cox now. Photo provided by Sue HalesSue Hales (right) with her mum Joyce Cox now. Photo provided by Sue Hales (Image: Archant)

The 35-year-old leader of the Hinks Meadow slimming group helped a total of three of her members, including Mrs Hales, reach the regional final of Slimming World's annual Woman of The Year competition.

The event, which took place at The Belfry Hotel in Cambridge on September 9 and hosted a total of 70 regional finalists, marked a big achievement for Ms Thorpe.

Eastern Daily Press: Vanessa Thorpe the Taverham Hills Meadow Slimming World leader (left) with Sue Hales (right). Photo provided by Sue HalesVanessa Thorpe the Taverham Hills Meadow Slimming World leader (left) with Sue Hales (right). Photo provided by Sue Hales (Image: Archant)

'As far as I am aware there were no other consultants at the event with more than one finalist, let alone with three,' said Mrs Hales. 'It was an amazing achievement for Vanessa and for the members who went.'

Mrs Hales got through to the final 12 at the regional stage of the competition but said she values her new healthier weight more than any other achievement.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue Hales with her son William at his graduation. Photo provided by Sue HalesSue Hales with her son William at his graduation. Photo provided by Sue Hales (Image: Archant)

'I am now happier and healthier and doing things I would never have dreamed of being able to do before I met Vanessa,' she said. 'She has helped so many people to lose weight and has helped to change so many people's lives.'

Have you lost weight at a Slimming World group? Let us know in the comments.