A 63-year-old woman has been crowned ‘Woman of the Year’ after battling with health issues for decades.

Elaine Brooke from Wickham Bishops was awarded the title at this year’s Slimming World competition after losing three stone and being taken off medication.

She had suffered a serious illness that led to a hysterectomy at 25-years-old and left her depressed.

Elaine said: “Gradually, my weight started to creep up and though I tried to lose some on different diets over the years, I would always put anything I lost straight back on again.

“In the end I felt like a ticking timebomb.

“I ended up on continuous medication for blood pressure, acid reflux and water retention.

“Then I lost my mum when I turned 60 to pancreatic cancer and I realised I would have to do something about my weight to give myself the best chance of enjoying my life for longer.”

Runner-up Kirsty Burns, 32, of Witham, lost over three stone after she gained weight whilst suffering post-natal depression.

Kirsty said: “I feel so much better and love being active with my little boy.

“I’m aiming to reach my target by Christmas to get back into the 50s’ style dresses I love.”

Consultant Paula Spenceley, who lost 9st 7lbs with Slimming World, said: “I became a consultant to help other help other people discover the new life that I have.

“That means I couldn’t possibly be prouder of these two wonderful women and what they have achieved.”

The Wickham Bishops group meets at 9.30am on Tuesdays at Prances Scout Campsite.