SUPER slimmer Yilly Usta had a day to remember in Dunmow on Saturday after being crowned Woman of the Year. The mother-of-one from Takeley was the choice of fellow Slimming World members for the award after going from a size 38 to 18 over a three-year per

SUPER slimmer Yilly Usta had a day to remember in Dunmow on Saturday after being crowned Woman of the Year.

The mother-of-one from Takeley was the choice of fellow Slimming World members for the award after going from a size 38 to 18 over a three-year period. For her remarkable achievement she duly received a pampering thanks to local businesses.

The day began with Yilly getting her hair done at the Cuts Both Ways salon in Market Place before a make-up make-over at Naturals in Angel Lane. Then it was on to Barkers Ladies Fashion in Market Place where she was kitted out in a new outfit, consisting of a peppermint green top and black skirt.

All the members of the class were invited to join Yilly and afterwards they enjoyed lunch together at the Mia Rossa restaurant.

"It was one of my favourite days," said Yilly. "It was all good, it just makes you realise what you have achieved and what you can look like."

Her day on the High Street was a far cry from when, along with her daughter Yasemin, 18, she first moved to the area from Chingford nearly four years ago.

"I had bad health and was getting worse and had to do something about it. I went to Slimming World and it started from there," said Yilly, who cares for her elderly father Jim.

Although she was unable to do a lot of exercise due to arthritis, Yilly achieved her weight loss through sticking to a controlled diet.

"It was down to the plan we are given. It's just about eating in moderation, you can still have a treat but it wasn't easy," she said. "The class is 100 per cent behind you and the consultant is always there for you. I was determined to carry on.

"If I gained weight I would feel low, but everybody was so supportive."

Consultant Carol Humphrey, who has organised the Dunmow class at the Saracens Head on Wednesday mornings for the past year and a class at Takeley for 10 years, guided Usta through her super slim.

"Every group votes for its Woman of the Year, on the basis of weight loss, attitude and overall achievement and effort," said Carol, from Dunmow. "A lot of slimmers do not realise how well they have done, so it was my idea to arrange this for Yilly.

"I just can't say how proud myself and the rest of the class are of Yilly - she went off feeling and looking like a million dollars."

As for Yilly, the award is not quite the end of the road. She added: "I need to lose a couple more stone and then I'll get to my target.