A woman who lost three and a half stone in a year is set to represent Epping in a national slimming competition.

Trish Gough of North Weald joined Epping Slimming World in February last year after struggling to lose weight gained following two personal bereavements.

Following a strict eating plan, the slimmer filled up on everyday foods like fruit and vegetables, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes and rice.

The mother was presented the title, flowers, a balloon and a certificate by Epping Mayor Michael Wright this week.

She will now go on to represent Epping at the Slimming World Woman of the Year 2015 competition which aims to find the UK and Ireland’s top female slimmer.

If successful, Mrs Gough will take home a £3,000 cash prize or a seven-night holiday in Dubai.

She said: “I started to put on weight after two very personal bereavements.

"I tried lots of different diets but they usually left me feeling hungry or miserable - or both, in fact.

“After losing this weight I’m the slimmest and the happiest I have been in such a long time.

“My family and friends are all amazed how much I can eat and still lose weight.

"I still eat many of the same meals that I did before I started losing weight, like spaghetti bolognese, curries and roast dinners.

"Now I just prepare and cook them differently and they taste so much better.

"I definitely don’t think I could have lost all this weight without the group.

"They're like my second family.

“When I started out I never dreamt I’d be able to achieve all that I have.

“As the weight started to come off and I began moving down dress sizes, I started to believe I could actually lose the weight and keep it off.

“Losing the weight has made such a huge difference, it’s changed my life.

"I am more confident and I like the slim, happy, positive person I see in the mirror.

"I feel like a winner already, so being voted the Epping group’s Woman of the Year 2015 is just the icing on the cake.”