A Cockermouth mum who shed three stones in 18 weeks and is now training for a marathon wants to share her success story with others.

Claire Brotherhood was so inspired by the healthy eating and living class she took part in that she is setting up her own one in town.

The first class will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 9am, in Cockermouth Conservative Club on Main Street.

Claire, of Ashgrove, said: "I want to give people the chance to feel as great as I do. I’ve been so inspired by the fantastic members and the wonderful consultant in my group that I want to share the success in my new group." 

Claire, 38, joined Slimming World in February with the aim of losing three stones. She ended up losing three and a half stones, dropping from a size 14/16 to a size 10.

She said: "My weight crept up while we were renovating our house. I was eating takeaways almost every night because we didn’t have a kitchen. I was eating and drinking for convenience and comfort and my body confidence hit an all-time low.

"With spring and summer looming, I wanted to enjoy that time with my little girl without worrying that I couldn’t keep up."

Claire, who is married to Paul and has a daughter Molly, six, joined a class run at Cockermouth Cricket Club by Sharon Moore.

"Walking into the group was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But it’s also one of the best. It was full of laughter, was relaxed and not like anything I thought it would be," said Claire.

She has always enjoyed exercise but was struggling to do much after putting on weight. She now runs 10km six days a week and has applied for next year's London Marathon.

She added: "Before I’m 40, I want to run a marathon; this has been a dream for years but it’s only now that I’m much healthier and slimmer that the dream can become reality."