A support worker who was worried she wouldn't be able to start a family due to her weight has spoken of her delight at losing an incredible four and a half stone.

Keli Tabor, from Blackburn, had been trying to conceive for more than eight years, and after having no luck with getting pregnant, she was told by doctors and a fertility specialist to lose weight in order to increase her chances.

But it was only after discovering that she suffered from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects how her ovaries work, that she realised the condition could also have been affecting her ability to fall pregnant.

Despite this, Mrs Tabor was determined to shed the pounds, and in 2017, weighing almost 20 stone, she decided to join Weight Watchers.

She said: "After being discharged by the fertility team until I was able to lose some weight really gave me the kick up the bum I needed."

And within 18 months, the 28-year-old had dropped from 19st 5lbs to an impressive 14st 12lbs.

Mrs Tabor said she had spent most of her adult life overweight and as a result, used to suffer from anxiety and low confidence, and would often isolate herself from others.

She said: "I used to get nervous about not being able not being able to fit in the chairs and tables in restaurants, and would get anxious about not being able to get out of the car once I'd parked it in a tight space.

"But after joining Weight Watchers, I now have a new understanding of food, plus losing the weight has reduced my anxiety massively and I’m no longer shy."

Mrs Tabor said she now feels genuinely happy for the first time in a long time, and is looking forward to the possibility of starting a family.

She added: "I didn’t realise how unhappy I was previously and how much I used to isolate myself as I was so conscious about the way I looked.

"I’m genuinely happy for the first time in a long time and I’m so excited about continuing my journey.

"I am eating foods which I thought I didn’t like but I had never tried.

"And most importantly I don’t panic that I can’t fit in spaces and I don’t get out of breath doing small everyday tasks."