ONE Borders lady is set to lead by example in a bid to slim down Galashiels.

Claire Ford piled on the pounds during her 20s.

But after having a baby she decided to work on her waistline.

After only five months of sticking to an Slimming World plan she has lost four stones.

And now the Kelso mum is bringing the secrets of her success to Gala.

With obesity figures rising, Claire believes her new role has never been more important.

She told the Border Telegraph: “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK.

“When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

“It’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.

“Like a lot of slimmers, I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate.

“I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different.” Claire Ford joined her local Slimming World group in Kelso five months ago as she wanted to be slim by the time she reached 30.

The mum-of-one has suffered many health issues in her life which led to her feeling low and gaining weight.

After her own successful weight-loss Claire has trained as a consultant for Slimming World and is opening her own group at Mac Arts next month.

She believes the same Extra Easy Slimming World Plan will work for others.

Claire added: “I never felt like I was on a diet.

“The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes and lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat. It’s all about getting the support to choose a healthier lifestyle like finding ways to become more active even if you’re not very mobile or don’t like exercise.

“My weight loss has completely changed my life. I now love home cooking especially Rogan Josh and my husband makes a mean roast dinner.

“My family have been such a great support. As a slimmer myself I know how hard it can be and I couldn’t have lost four stone without my Consultant and my group.” Claire’s Slimming World group will be held at Mac Arts every Monday at 7.30pm from September 7.