Clare Thorne lost an incredible five stones – the same weight as her 10-year-old daughter Stefanie – in less than a year after doctors blamed her bad back on her being overweight.

But despite shedding the pounds, the 38-year-old, of Main Street, Yaxley, near Peterborough, is still struggling with back pain.

She said: “I was really struggling with my back, and my doctors said it was because I had to lose weight – I knew they were wrong, and decided to prove it.

“Unfortunately, I was right, and am still suffering from back pain, which means I can’t ride the horses at the school.”

Clare, a member of the Yaxley WeightWatchers Group, went from weighing 16 stones and one pound on October 22 last year, to weighing just 11 stones one pound by October 6.

Today she said her success had been down to a simple mix of healthy eating and exercise.

She said: “I managed to lose the weight purely using the WeightWatchers programme, and doing some exercise.

“My job is quite physical, which helped, but I also did some walking, cycling and swimming.

“I never thought I would be able to do it, as I am a bit of a comfort eater, so I was really surprised when I achieved it.

“When we worked out that I had lost weight equivalent of carrying Stefanie around, I could not believe it. It really puts it into perspective what I have done.”

Along with the goal of trying to prove her doctors wrong, she said she benefited from tremendous support from her friends and family.

She said: “All my family think it is fantastic, and they have all been a massive help.

“The group has also been great support. When I first joined I was a bit nervous, as you hear all the horror stories about being forced to say your weight in front of the whole group, and things like that, but the class is so supportive, and Zoey Dilley, the group leader, makes everything fun.”

Mrs Dilley said Clare was an example to everyone who wanted to achieve a similar goal.

She said: “I am really proud of Clare. She has stayed positive and determined all the way.

“Her family have been very helpful and supportive. She is a great inspiration to everyone in our meeting.”

The Yaxley WeightWatchers group meets every Monday evening, at 6.30pm, at The Amenity Centre.