A BARRY woman who lost nine stone in 20 months, is in the running for a national weight loss award.

Following a long-term struggle with her weight, Sioned Watkiss' success has seen her awarded the Buttrills Slimming World group's "Woman of the Year".

She will now be nominated for the organisation’s national contest.

Mrs Watkins shed the pounds after joining the weight loss club in January 2015.

Mrs Watkiss said she was nervous at first. “I had the shock of my life when I got on the scales for the first time," she said. "I was 19st 2lbs."

“I've always struggled with my weight since childhood. I used to go to the dietician in our local doctor's surgery in Llanberis, North Wales. I was only 13 or 14 at this time and I used to feel very embarrassed as my friends at school were all slim. I got bullied for a short period of time.”

She explained that she piled on more weight after moving to Cardiff, aged 21, and piled on more weight.

She said: “Even with our wedding coming up I still didn't do much about it. My wedding dress was a size 20.

"With Slimming World, nothing is off limits. In just six months I had already lost over four stone. By Christmas 2015 I had lost 6.5 stone.”

Mrs Watkiss and her husband Steve moved to Barry and she recently signed up to a new class in the town.

She said: “We have a very lively and warm group, and the encouragement and support given to me is truly fantastic.

"Martin (Woodsford - the group leader) asked me if I wanted to be part of our social team so I get the chance to help others on their journeys. I love it.

"Martin is such an inspiration to the class having lost 10 stone himself and being a national competition winner. The group really is a magical place to be. I was over the moon to be awarded Woman of the Year 2016 in our group.”

Mr Woodsford said: “Sioned is such an inspiration to the members and we all love her in group. She really is a beautiful person on the inside and out. I’m so privileged to be able to put Sioned forward to the next stage of the national competition.”

The group meets at the Buttrills community centre, North Walk, Barry, at 8am and 10am on Saturdays.