A TRIO of super slimmers have been named Woman of the Year, after losing more than 11 stone between them.

Angela MacGregor, Tracy Arnold and Laura Newton, all from Colchester, attend the Abbot’s Activity Centre’s Slimming World group off Mersea Road.

Slimming World holds seven competitions throughout the year including Couple of the Year, Woman of the Year, Man of the Year and Young Slimmer of the Year.

Laura, 33, a mum-of-two from Monkwick, said she is the happiest she has ever been.

She was 16 stone 10 pounds, now she is 13 stone three pounds.

She said: “Joining Slimming World was the best thing that I did and everyone was so warm and welcoming.

"I never could have dreamt I’d be in this position when I first began my weight loss journey. Losing weight has made such a big difference to me.

"My health is better, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.

“I chose to join after seeing a photo of myself. I wanted to be lose weight to be fitter and healthier for my children.”

More than half of all women in the UK and Ireland are overweight. Slimming World’s Woman of the Year competition recognises the achievements of thousands of women who have made long-term healthy lifestyle changes.

Together, the three ladies have dropped nine dress sizes.

Tracy, 47, who lives off Mersea Road, has been a member for 22 weeks and has already achieved her five and a half stone award.

Tracy’s reason was for her own health after being told she was borderline diabetic.

She was 23 stone, she is now 17 stone and five pounds.

She said: “I feel like a different woman and winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women in our group.

"I remember feeling like there was no hope when it came to my weight, but I’ve realised that when people believe in you – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

"I really hope my weight loss can inspire other people to get started on their own journey. My goal now is to hit my target and stay there for life, which I know I can do.”

Angela, 47, who lives near north station, now enjoys a much healthier lifestyle taking part in regular fitness activities.

She was 14 stone eight pounds, she is now 12 stone and two pounds.

She said: "My family and friends are all amazed by how much I can eat and still lose weight.

"I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.

“I know a lot of people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect. Right from the first moment I felt comfortable though, and the support I’ve received has been amazing."

Alice Turburville, who runs the Abbots Activity Centre group, said she was proud of the ladies.

The Slimming World group is held every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm or Wednesday at 9.30am.

The national winner of Woman of the Year will be announced in November and will take home a £3,000 cash prize or a five-day holiday in Mexico.