JANE Warrilow is half the woman she was after shedding seven-and-a-half stone in less than a year.

Jane, 43, of Thurlstone, was always described as glamorous by friends despite tipping the scales at 21st 6lb.

But behind her bubbly exterior she knew she was dangerously overweight.

She decided it was time to lose weight in August 2008 and took up salsa dancing and started the All About W8 diet plan.

Mum-of-two Jane said: "I used to go out of my way to make sure that people noticed me. I was never a shrinking violet, but behind my glamorous appearance I was well aware that my weight was unhealthy and my body shape was far from ideal."

Sticking to the diet she was amazed to lose 13lb in the first week.

She continued to diet, and now weighs in at a much healthier 13st 12lb, with just over one stone to lose before she hits her target weight.

"I don't think losing the weight has changed who I am, but must admit that I feel happier about my appearance and am much more confident in myself.

"I still love to wear glamorous clothes but now when I wear them I feel more stylish and trendy than I did when I was overweight.

"Other people seem to pick up on how happy I am, which is great and I get plenty of compliments when I see people I haven't seen for a while."

She has continued her salsa dancing and says she now has more energy than ever. "I've always enjoyed walking my dogs, Finley and Cleo, but now I can walk them for miles and miles which they absolutely love," she added.