DIETER Yilly Usta who lost nearly nine stone and kept it off has been rewarded for her grand dieting achievements. Both Ms Usta, of Takeley Slimming World and Laurel Kershaw of the Dunmow branch, won club Women of the Year awards. Ms Usta, whose starting

DIETER Yilly Usta who lost nearly nine stone and kept it off has been rewarded for her grand dieting achievements.

Both Ms Usta, of Takeley Slimming World and Laurel Kershaw of the Dunmow branch, won club Women of the Year awards.

Ms Usta, whose starting weight was 24st 10lbs was nominated for her staggering 8st 11lb weight loss, which she has achieved over three and a half years, and her perseverance has helped her keep the weight off.

Ms Usta, 43, who has been a member of the Takeley Slimming World club since April 2003 when she moved to the area from Chingford, said: "It took me a while to get there, but it feels great now. Everyone at the club has been so supportive and that's really helped."

Slimming World members at both the clubs cast their votes declaring the pair winners for their dedication.

Laurel Kershaw of Dunmow Slimming World was nominated for the award because of the hard work she contributed to the club and having lost 2st 1lb in weight since last April 18, when she joined the club.

Ms Kershaw said she was delighted to have been nominated for the award and then to have gone on to win.

Carol Humphrey, representative for both Slimming World clubs, enthused: "The beauty of this award is that it's not a competition of who has lost the most weight, but for who the other members feel has personally achieved the most.

"So it takes into account everything and how hard they have had to work to gain their goals, not just the measurement of loss,"

Ms Humphrey, said: "Both members were nominated and won awards as they had worked extremely hard and helped their fellow members.

"The competition was very close with runner-up Jodie Staines of the Takeley club missing out by just one vote!"

Club winners have the chance to compete in the Essex regional competition and then the national finals, where the overall winner receives either a two-week trip to the Seychelles or £5,000 in cash.

Dunmow Slimming World club meets every Wednesday at 10am at the Saracen's Head Hotel, and Takeley Slimming World meets at the Silver Jubilee Hall every Thursday at 7pm.

For more details about the clubs call Ms Humphrey on 01371 873275.