Striving to be happy and keep up with her kids helped a mum lose five stone in less than two years – and now she’s inspiring others in Sidmouth to do the same.

Hayley Burridge, 32, tipped the scales at almost 15 stone in April 2011, but running and Weight Watchers classes saw the pounds drop off week by week.

She reached her target weight of 9st 11Ib last November and became a class leader so she could show others how it is done.

“It’s absolutely changed my life,” she said. “I’m happy as I am. It’s not about being skinny. It’s about being happy.”

The Seaton resident was slim as a teenager, but she started gaining weight at college because of cheap food, cheaper drinks and a sedentary lifestyle.

She was overweight when she fell pregnant, and contracted gestational diabetes as a result, but lost weight so she could keep up with her son George, now two, and step-daughter Chloe, 13.

Hayley said the best way to stay on track is to keep your momentum, even in the holiday season.

“Christmas is just one day. As soon as you’ve finished enjoying it, remember that you want to be happy and healthy, and get back on it the next day – and join Weight Watchers in January!”

Her St Francis Hall class moves to Monday evenings from next month.

She also leads a group in Exmouth, where one of the members celebrated a milestone on Saturday after losing eight stone.