A CLITHEROE mum whose life was "turned around" by a Ribble Valley Borough Council health scheme has taken her praise straight to the top.

Suzanne Hamnett, 41, wrote to Prime Minister Gordon Brown after the council's healthy lifestyle team helped her shed weight and gain confidence.

And the Prime Minister has written back saying he is "immensely impressed" with the help she received.

Suzanne, who has shed nearly two stone, said: "Last year, I was feeling at my lowest and not taking good care of myself.

"I was piling on weight and, as a result, experiencing difficulty moving around.

"My doctor referred me to Ribble Valley Borough Council's healthy lifestyle team and my life changed from that day on. I started an exercise programme and learned about diet.

"I joined the council's Stepping Out walking project and am now a volunteer walk leader."

A Downing Street spokesman told Suzanne that Prime Minister Gordon Brown was pleased to hear about the support she had received and was "immensely impressed" with the "skills, dedication and compassion" of everyone involved.