A SEATON slimmer has met a TV star after reaching the semi-finals of a national competition. Susan Kightly, who dropped from nearly 17 1 stone to just over nine, is in the running for Slimming World s Woman of the Year 2009.

A SEATON slimmer has met a TV star after reaching the semi-finals of a national competition.

Susan Kightly, who dropped from nearly 17 1/2 stone to just over nine, is in the running for Slimming World's Woman of the Year 2009.

She was congratulated by Emmerdale actor Jeff Hordley, when she attended the event at Slimming World's head office in Derbyshire earlier this month.

She said: "From the instant I walked into my local Slimming World group, my journey has been full of surprises. I couldn't believe I'd found a way to lose weight without feeling hungry.

"Losing weight is so much easier when you've got a group to share your highs and lows with and the encouragement of a consultant who's been through it too."

Susan lost a total of 8 stone 2lb after joining her Slimming World group in Seaton.

She has been crowned 'Dorset Woman of the Year' and is alongside 36 other Slimming World members from across the UK competing for the title of woman of the year.

Susan added: "I was named 'Dorset Woman of the Year' and now I can't believe I've met Cain Dingle - I'm starting to wonder what's next."

Jeff said he was impressed with Susan's transformation.

Slimming World in Seaton is run by consultant Helen Jones every Tuesday at 5.45pm, at St John Ambulance Hall.