Ref: 12803/2 MOTHER-of-two Charlotte Taylor is celebrating after losing six stones in weight. Mrs Taylor, of Easterton, near Devizes, calls herself the incredible shrinking mum after she shed the weight in 18 months.

Her old diet consisted of frozen meals and she consumed a bottle of wine a night.

But after cutting out the alcohol completely and changing her diet to eat more healthily, Mrs Taylor now fits into size 12 clothes, compared with 26.

Mrs Taylor, a 28-year-old housewife, lost the weight after joining Slimming World classes in Devizes run by Carrie Thomas.

Mrs Taylor's experience has inspired her to train to become a qualified Slimming World consultant and she starts her own class on Wednesday.

Mrs Taylor piled on weight after having her two children, Daniel, ten, and Matthew, four.

She had tried other slimming classes but was unsuccessful as any weight she lost she put back on again quickly.

Slimming World's food optimising system enables people to choose what healthy food they eat and people can eat a certain amount of 'sin' food, such as chocolate and crisps, a day.

Mrs Taylor said: "Before I went with Slimming World I used to eat frozen convenience food, pizzas and take away meals.

"I also used to drink a bottle of wine a night in front of the TV.

"It sounds a bit naive but I didn't know there was such a thing as a healthy diet.

"Slimming World trained me to eat healthily. I never realised that you could still eat delicious food and lose weight.

"With Slimming World you can eat food such as chips, baked beans and fried egg.

"You use a special oil that only has one calorie and which you spray on the food."

Mrs Taylor no longer buys convenience meals and makes her own dishes.

"Instead of wine she drinks diet cola, although she will have the occasional drink but says she doesn't miss alcohol.

Her main 'sin' food is a packet of salt and vinegar crisps which she usually has every other day.

Her husband, Shawn, 30, a welder fabricator, is extremely proud of his wife and he and their sons eat the same meals as her.

Her weight loss has given Mrs Taylor confidence in herself and for the first time she and her family will be flying abroad for a holiday.

She said: "When I was overweight I knew I wouldn't fit into an aeroplane seat so we never went abroad.

"I also now take the children swimming. Before, I was too embarrassed to get into a swimming costume.

"I was depressed and upset about my weight and I had no confidence at all. Now I feel fantastic and I can walk into places with my head up high.

"It's really inspired me to get to work and promote what Slimming World offers. I hope my story inspires other people."

Mrs Taylor's Slimming World class is at St Peter's School hall, Bath Road, Devizes, on Wednesdays at 5.30pm. For more information call (01380) 816185.