A Super slimmer from Waltham Abbey is through to the national finals of the young slimmer of the year award after shedding over three stone.

Sam Burnage, 21, from Breech Barns decided to change her way of life after a disastrous shopping trip with a friend.

She said: “We were out shopping for a 21st birthday, when I couldn't get into anything under a UK size 18, I did think I was a size 12, so it was a massive shock.”

“I never realised how big I was but I was always wearing baggy clothes, it just crept up on me, I was so upset.”

Sam vowed that by her 21st in May she would be a size 10 and went to her local Slimming World in Waltham Abbey.

She said: “I was determined, I didn't know what to expect, I'd been to the group with my mum when I was younger, but only to make the tea and coffee, I'd never been a slimmer – but they were lovely they all made me feel so welcome, everyone was so supportive and understanding.”

Sam ditched takeaways, started a low fat diet and lost 3st 9lbs in a year.

She said: “It's not about starving yourself, you can still have treats, It's more about learning what you should and shouldn't be eating in excess.”

She celebrated her 21st birthday two months ago, as a slinky size 10.

She said: “I was not expecting to ever be a size 10 again, I almost cried when I got into a dress and saw the results of all the hard work.

“I feel better and healthier than ever, I'm never going to hide myself again and in fact, I've become a bit of a shopoholic!”

She will go head to head with other young slimmers in the national finals on August 9.

Sam is part of the Waltham Abbey Slimming world group, which meets every week at the Leverton Junior school, to find out more call 01992 523 194.