INFANT school teacher Nicola Dyer has lost more than the weight of one of her pupils after shedding nine stone in less than two years.

For most of her life Nicola, 45, who lives in Southern Road, Southbourne, and her mother Barbara, have battled with their weight.

Nicola said: "I had tried many different diets over the years, sometimes losing a few stone, only to put it back on and more.

"My mum had several health problems and I knew that it wouldn't be long before I did too, so we finally found the courage to walk into a Slimming World meeting and we were overwhelmed by the care and support we received."

Nicola who tipped the scales at 20 and a half stone at her heaviest, says the system they follow is called extra easy.

"There is no calorie counting and lots of foods can be eaten freely such as pasta, potatoes and rice."

By making a few simple changes, mother and daughter have lost more than 18 stone between them.

When Nicola bumped into a parent of one of her former pupils, she says she almost didn’t recognise her.

“After walking past me, she called out, “Ms Dyer is that you? Wow you look amazing!” She then rushed over and hugged me.”

Barbara is also thrilled at the change the loss of weight has had on her health.

She told the Echo: “My diabetes control is the best it has ever been, I used to need over 120 units of insulin every day, I now only need 10 and hope to reduce it even more as I reach my target weight.”

Now Nicola who works at Christchurch Infant School in Addiscombe Road, is running her own group at the school from 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings.

She added: "Losing weight has changed my life and I want to help others achieve their weight loss dreams too."