A SUPER slimmer from Farnworth is shining bright like a diamond after receiving a prestigious award.

Francine Sheridan, aged 43, was given the Diamond Leader award by WeightWatchers for her impressive 14 year service as a group leader.

Mrs Sheridan runs the weightloss class at Farnworth Social Circle and Cricket Club in Piggott Street, and in that time she has continually sustained her five stone weight loss.

Despite having two children during that time she managed to stay a trim size 12 and has helped inspire more than 1,000 slimmers in Bolton since she took over the class.

Mrs Sheridan said: "Every two years WeightWatchers gives out Diamond Leaders awards which honours the top XX of the country. The award is based on how successful you are, so how many members you have and how much weight they have lost.

"I was overweight until I was 29 years old. I had tried every diet in the book but WeightWatchers just clicked for me.

"Despite losing nearly five stone I still have a weight problem and always will have – but WeightWatchers helped me change my lifestyle and I have kept the weight off ever since."

Mrs Sheridan received the accolade along with two other Bolton-based slimmers, Catherine McCay who runs meetings in Bolton town centre and Tottington, and Joanne Reilly who runs meetings in Bolton town centre.

Mrs Sheridan said: "It is a real honour to be given this award. The three of us got a badge and a certificate which shows our members that our groups are successful, so it's a real achievement.

"Even though this is my job I still love doing it. If I can help one person reach their target weight then it makes it worthwhile."

To join Francine's class, call 01204 652476.