AFTER losing more than nine stone in weight in little over a year, Julie-Anne Prescott is feeling champion.

Hindley Green mum Julie-Anne is ecstatic after beating 2,500 others to take the national Slimming World Consultant Slimmer of the Year title.

Little did she know when she joined her local Slimming World class in January 2001 that she would slash her weight by the equivalent of more than two big sacks of potatoes, and go on to become a consultant and scoop the top award.

After taking the title at Nottingham, Julie-Anne exclaimed: "To be picked to represent the north west was brilliant. To win first place is fantastic!"

Julie-Anne's weight problem began after the birth of her first child, Ellie, nearly six years ago. Ellie was born with cerebral palsy and both Julie-Anne and her husband, Wayne, didn't know what her life expectancy would be.

Julie-Anne gave up her job to become a full-time carer for Ellie and food was the friend that helped her through it. When Ellie was 15 months old, Julie-Anne became pregnant with Daisy, now four. The strain of juggling a house and two children again turned her in the direction of her friend, food.

Christmas 2000 was a turning point. Feeling fed-up with her weight, she joined her local Slimming World class at the Bethel Sanctuary Church, Hindley Green.

She recalls: "Walking into that first class was nerve racking. But the consultant made me feel very welcome and explained no food was banned and that I would be actually eating more and still enjoying my chocolate, yet I would lose weight!

"This seemed like a dream come true. I'd tried other diets but only ever lost a few pounds and always ended-up hungry.

The first week, she lost six pounds and a further four the following week.

She was amazed. "To say I was eating more is an understatement -- I was eating tons of food, curry, chips, lasagne and still having chocolate," she said.

Her weight steadily fell and as each stone disappeared, helping Ellie became a lot easier.

By December 2001, Julie-Anne had lost seven stone and people didn't recognise her at Christmas parties. She decided to become a consultant herself and took over the Tyldesley class in February. She has seen it grow from 25 to more than 70 members and is revelling in her role.

"There is no other job that gives you the feeling of helping change people's lives," she said.

And when she scooped the national title, Julie-Anne had the support of her consultant, Jackie Fairclough who runs the morning class at the Bethel.

"She's been an inspiration to us all -- we've been behind her all the way," said Jackie.

"Julie-Anne has been an inspiration to the whole class and myself. She well deserved the award with what she has been through and conquered. She has shown anyone can do it. We are very proud of her."