MIDDLEWICH super slimmer Michelle Newton is embracing a whole new world of opportunities after shedding four stones in three years.

Her magnificent achievement was fully recognised when she was voted class winner at the Slimming World women of the year awards recently.

And her new life involves a packed diary over the next year, including exciting adventures in Australia and Uganda.

Michelle, aged 18, of Long Lane, joined Slimming World in May 1995, hoping it could provide her with the right armoury for her continuing battle against the bulge.

She had just turned 15 and weighed 15 stones!

The determination to shed the pounds sprung from a common teenage insecurity about her appearance and subsequent lack of self-confidence.

She explained: "At 15 I was fat and, like most overweight youngsters, I was verbally abused.

"I also found it difficult to find any fashionable teenage clothes which would fit.

"I had tried numerous diets from the age of 12 - calorie-controlled, weight watchers - but none of them worked. It was depressing."

Her doctor and dietician strongly advised her to lose weight and, with persuasion from her mother, she went to Slimming World as a last resort - and things began to change.

The pounds dropped off from day one, as Michelle lost 8lb in the first week before enjoying a steady slide over the next three years.

She said: "I had lost three stones by April this year and, amazingly, I was able to buy teenage clothes at a size 16.

"I am a happy size 14 now and look like a healthy, happy teenager with lots of fun ahead. Instead of being unhealthy, overweight, shy and lacking in self-confidence I have really changed since I started Slimming World."

Michelle flew out to Australia last week for a three-month visit, and in January she will be doing six months voluntary work in Uganda - trips which she says she would not have made if she hadn't lost weight.

Another success for Middlewich at the awards was for Eileen Jones, who has lost 2st 2lb in just nine weeks!

The results delighted Beryl Fletcher, Slimming World consultant for Middlewich, Holmes Chapel and Hartford, who was particularly moved by Michelle's story.

She said: "A lot of young girls get into trouble when trying to control their weight so Michelle deserves credit.

"She succeeded because she did it properly."

For information on classes in your area contact Beryl on 016060 46715.

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