A weight-loss consultant from Sidmouth has been handed a national award for her work helping people achieve their dreams.

Harriet Steptoe was presented with Slimming World’s pearl award, which recognises the ‘exceptional service’ of group leaders who consistently work with 75 members a week.

She said: “Pearls are something beautiful hidden inside an outer shell so it’s a wonderful metaphor for what we do at Slimming World – we help people to shed the misery of excess weight so that they can become the person that they always dreamed of being. It’s about feeling happier, healthier and more confident too. Seeing that transformation in people is what I love most about my job and I’m passionate about helping my members to change their lives by losing weight.”

Harriet runs her group on Saturday mornings at Sidmouth Primary School from 9.30am.

For more details call her on 07828 299391.