When St Albans woman Jan Hopcroft made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight at the beginning of 2013 little did she know how successful she would be.

Now, thanks to the support of her Slimming World group in St Saviours Church, Sandpit Lane, Ms Hopcroft has lost seven stone in just a year and said she feels fantastic going into 2014.

Ms Hopcroft had struggled with her weight for a number of years especially since having her children and having to spend lots of time at the hospital after her daughter was born.

Last January, she decided to do something about her size once and for all, and joined a Slimming World group, run by Liz Kay every Thursday at 1pm.

Ms Hopcroft said: "I was really nervous about walking into the group that first time, I figured there would be lots of new people joining the group as it was January and hoped I’d be able to blend into the background and not have to speak to anyone.

"Now I find it funny that I was so scared because I got such a warm welcome and I soon realised there was nothing to be worried about because we were all in the same boat, we all just wanted to lose weight.

"I honestly haven’t looked back since that day. I look forward to going to the group every week now, it’s my ‘me’ time and I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Ms Hopcroft followed the Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and discovered that she could eat lots of everyday foods without weighing and measuring, as well as still enjoying her favourite chocolate and biscuit treats in moderation.

Changing her eating habits and become more active hasn’t only transformed Ms Hopcroft on the outside, she said feels like a new woman on the inside too.

She added: "I might have lost seven stone but I’ve gained so much more. I feel happier, healthier and have loads more confidence.

"I can’t believe the difference in me in just 12 months and neither can my family and friends."

Ms Kay added: "Jan is proof that if you make small, manageable changes the way you cook and eat and get the right support it is possible to make your New Year’s resolutions a reality."