Originally weighing in at 15.5 stone, Suzanne Hamnett (41) has shed two stone and changed her life through the Ribble Valley's "Healthy Lifestyles" course.

Suzanne said: "I was piling on the weight, my joints were painful, and I was also suffering from painful headaches. At one point, I even had difficulty getting about; I was using a stick to walk around."

By chance, Suzanne spotted the sign for "Healthy Lifestyles" at her GP's surgery: "It was like a light-bulb moment. I met Tracy Balko (Health and Fitness Development Officer), who was fantastic. She was really helpful, and for once in my life, I didn't feel judged."

Suzanne was put on a bespoke exercise and diet programme. Her routine consisted of circuit work at her local leisure centre with fellow members and she swapped her staple diet of pie, chips, kebabs and processed food in favour of casserole and mashed potato cooked from scratch.

Her children, Steven (16) and 13-year-old Sharon, are now accustomed to smaller, healthier portions, and take turns to cook the family meal.

Suzanne's new found confidence has also enabled her to go back into work as an auxiliary nurse at Clitheroe Community Hospital.

Suzanne now plays a pivotal role at the Healthy Lifestyles scheme, as a trained volunteer on the "Stepping Out" programme, which involves a series of guided walks.