Burnham-on-Crouch slimmer April Yates is celebrating not just losing five-and-a-half stones, but keeping it off for a year despite lockdown.

April, who joined Burnham-on-Crouch Slimming World at the end of January 2019 lost the life-changing amount of weight in just one year and this week celebrates another whole year at her target.

April puts her weight loss success down to Slimming World's fabulous Food Optimising eating plan which is simple and flexible. She believes it is essential to keep her meals varied and loves that by making simple changes to the way she shops, cooks and eats it has become a way of life.

April said: "Throughout my weight loss journey keeping an honest food diary was key for me so even if I had a bad day I could see what I needed to change the next day.

"Getting more active played a key part in helping my body shape and today it helps me maintain my weight loss. I like nothing more than a nice brisk walk with my dogs but it's important you enjoy what you do otherwise you won't stick with it. "

April's Slimming World consultant is Kay Driscoll, who is now a familiar face in both Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch for the support she gives to members.

As with all consultants, she is currently running her groups from home, supporting members with virtual Image Therapy.

Kay, who runs the Slimming World groups for Danbury on Monday mornings, Mayland on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings and Burnham-on-Crouch Wednesday evenings, said: "Our Slimming World promise is to run our groups 52 weeks of the year to ensure members' slimming success.

"At this difficult time it's easy to find excuses not to stick to resolutions and healthy intentions. So when members show their commitment by joining our virtual groups, we have to be there for them and give them the support they need.

"Particularly if you're just starting out on your slimming journey, getting support can be the one thing that makes the difference between succeeding or going off track. Shutting down support at this crucial time could see people giving up and they might never get their motivation back.

"So, even though it is a challenging time I will do everything I can to make sure my Slimming World members get the support they need for a healthier future."

April added: "It's the support you get every week that really makes the difference. If you've had a good week everyone helps you celebrate and if you've had a bad week they help you get back on track and remind you how far you've come.

"If I am ever to hard on myself Kay makes sure that I remember to be kind to myself. Knowing that Kay will be here for us with a warm welcome – and a friendly face – no matter what is an amazing feeling because I know she cares about our weight loss just as much as we do. It's the ongoing commitment and care that helps you to succeed in your weight loss, where before I may have failed or given up - and let's face it, it has never been so important for us to look after our health and well being."

To join any of Kay's Slimming World groups call 07889 143933 or for more information visit the Slimming World website using the link here.