A Wells sheep farmer is feeling fa-baa-ulous after losing the weight of FOUR of her newborn lambs in just over five months.

Mel Wilkins, 40, has shrunk from a size 14 to a trim size 8 after shedding three-and-a-half-stone during the gestation period of one of her sheep. The incredible transformation means she's no longer lugging around excess weight as she works on her farm – which she's starkly reminded of when she picks up new arrivals born to her ewes.

Mel said: "It's unbelievable how much better I feel and when I pick up the lambs, I can't believe I used to carry that extra weight around with me all the time. "Being overweight affected my health as I suffer from asthma and very high blood pressure, but now I'm happier and healthier. "I love that some size 8 clothes are now even too big for me!"

Mel's slimming success came after she joined her local Slimming World group in Wells, Somerset. Amazingly, the mum-of-seven reached her Personal Achievement Target in only 15 weeks, lowering it twice as she discovered her new-found confidence. "The plan is just so easy," said Mel, who is married to husband Jim. "I just began to fill up on healthy, satisfying 'free foods' like fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish so I even lost weight without being hungry or feeling deprived. "I didn't need to make many huge changes, I still eat the same way today and just swapped a few unhealthy habits for healthier ones by the support of group."

As the weight came off, Mel also worked on increasing her activity levels and as well as her physically demanding job, she hired a personal trainer to help her to tone her body. Slimming World's plan includes support with 'Body Magic', which is tailored to support all members no matter how active they are. Even starting small until they are ready to increase their activity if they want to, which has great health benefits alongside their Food Optimising eating plan. As a result, Mel's blood pressure is now normal and she no longer needs her inhaler. She added: "I absolutely love doing Slimming World and am so proud of myself for what I've achieved. "I highly recommend it and hope this will inspire other people to give it a go".

Mel's consultant, Sarah Sanger, who runs the Wells Slimming World groups, said: "I'm so proud of Mel and the inspirational way she's achieved her weight loss dream, in such a small space of time. "She's always sharing in group, providing fantastic inspiration and ideas to other members. "To lose three-and-a-half stone in just six months is just outstanding." Sarah's groups run at Wells United Church every Wednesday at 9.30am, 11am, 5.30pm and 7pm. Those looking to join are welcome to turn up or call Sarah on 07715 958590. ENDS