THE January sales are proving extra special for one group of South Lakeland women.

Members of local Weight Watchers classes have hit the shops with a vengeance after losing the pounds and dropping the dress sizes.

Leadimg the charge has been Kendal mum-of-five Rachel Brodie, who made dramatic changes to her lifestyle in 2013.

The 34-year-old lost nearly five stones – shrinking from a size 20 to 12 in just six months.

She said: “I still feel like I am living a dream and am going to wake up soon. I’ve never wavered off the plan because buying smaller clothes is a better feeling than eating chocolate every day.”

Her weight loss started after her doctor told her she could not have a hernia operation unless she lost a stone. But after she accomplished this she did not want to stop.

“I got into running and really enjoyed it – I’ve just run the 10K Ulverston Christmas Pudding race which I did in 55 minutes. I’ve now had my operation and I cannot wait to get back to running again.”

Mrs Brodie dragged her mum, Sue Hodgson, to the classes with her, and she has lost nearly three stones. Helen Townson has been attending the same Kendal weekly meetings as Rachel and her mum and has lost two stones.

She said: “I started going last year with my friend Vanessa after I saw a picture of me at my daughter’s 18th birthday.

“I feel so much better though. I am healthier and can wear clothes and not feel fat.”