LAST January Gillian Miller weighed nearly 19 stone, but a steely determination, and a lot of hard work, means she can now enjoy the new year fitter, happier and healthier.

LAST January Gillian Miller weighed nearly 19 stone, but a steely determination, and a lot of hard work, means she can now enjoy the new year fitter, happier and healthier.

After intensive gym-time, the mother-of-four is now just over 11 stone, but she only started noticing the difference after a shopping trip in June.

Gillian, 47, was halfway to her target when she realised she had dropped several trousers sizes.

She said: “Where a pair of size 18 jeans used to be tight I now found that a size 16 was too loose, this really boosted my self confidence and I could now see the weight falling off!”

A full time worker at a care home, she had previously lost three stone but put the weight back on again, and this time she was referred to the Marina Centre's gym by community health worker Roxy Sewell.

Here, she received the help of trainers Paul Forrest and Rachel Lacy, who gradually built up both her fitness and her confidence, helping her shed the pounds.

Trainer Rachel has known similar success stories in the past but thought that this one really stood out.

She said: “Gillian has thrown herself into reaching her weight loss targets and it has paid off. A lot of people will try diets as a quick fix, but it is important to remember that if you want to lose a lot of weight it is usually better to do it with a structured programme of exercise as well as balance diet.

Gillian puts it all down the hard work and exercise Paul put her through and the trust and support of her husband and Rachel.

The new year is not making her complacent, however, Gillian is still going to the gym five times a week, as well as going to kettle bell classes three - four times a week.

And, just in case that wasn't enough, she also does personal training sessions with Paul, and swims once a week!