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Buy photos » Julie Rutherford and Lindsey Jones lost 12 stone between them. (s)

AFTER losing twelve stone between them and winning a slimming competition the only thing that is big about Evesham neighbours Julie Rutherford and Lindsey Jones are their beaming smiles.

The pair, who are members of the Slimming World group in Drakes Broughton and both lost six stone, have now been nominated as the club's Woman of the Year winners for 2012.

Lindsey joined Slimming World last May after becoming increasingly unhappy with her weight.

"I never dreamt I could achieve so much," she said.

"I’ve gone down several dress sizes and it’s made such a huge difference – it’s changed my life.

"I’ve got so much more energy and I can do things now that I couldn’t before. My fitness has improved – I enjoy being active now rather than thinking of it as a chore. I feel like a winner already, and being voted the Drakes Broughton group’s Woman of the Year 2012 is the icing on the cake."

Lindsey and Julie will now go forward to the regional finals of the competition on Sunday (September 16) in Birmingham, putting them in the running for the national title. The national Slimming World Woman of the Year 2012 will be announced in November and the winner will take home either a £3,000 cash prize or a holiday to St Lucia.

Laurie Griffin, who runs the Drakes Broughton group, said: "I’m so proud of both Lindsey and Julie.

"Not only do they both look fabulous, their health has improved and they’re both bursting with energy. The girls are such a huge inspiration to everyone in our group and I hope they inspire other women in and around Pershore to change their lives in the same way."

The Drakes Broughton Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 5pm and 7pm, or Thursday at 9.30am, in the village hall. To join or find out more call Laurie on 07854 045850, or 01905 748635.

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