WHEN Kelly Petts joined a weight-loss programme she had no idea that step would dramatically change her life.

Not only did she lose the weight she wanted - 3st 7lbs in three months - but it also changed her career.

Ms Petts, a regional account manager in the brewing sector, was so impressed with the results of the Cambridge Weight Plan that she became a consultant eight years ago part-time, and in February this year she opened the Akeman Clinic full-time, in Sheep Street, Bicester.

To top off her year, last month she was awarded a Sales Champion title, one of just 50 selected from more than 5,000 consultants across the country.

The award recognised the growth of her business - 10 consultants working across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Newcastle, and her team’s top sales.

And it wasn’t just Ms Petts who received recognition at the annual Cambridge Weight Plan conference - three of her clients won celebrated slimmer status after losing more than 10 stone between them.

Tracy Baker, lost 3st, Amanda Cullup lost 4st 7lb, and Diane Spittle lost 3st. Each had a different reason to lose weight including health and confidence, but for Ms Spittle it was “to look fab at 50”.

Ms Spittle said: “In total I lost 3st which I never dreamed possible, but with Kelly’s and the clinic’s unique one-to-one support every step of the way, I couldn’t be happier.”

Ms Petts, who runs the clinic with fellow consultant Katy Ottaway, said: “I was so proud to win this award and then for three of our clients to be recognised for their achievements, has made my year. I opened the clinic because I’m so passionate about helping people lose weight and achieving their goals.”