A grandmother who used to scoff five Mars bars before breakfast has proved you are never too old to diet.

Clare Cottington, 77, has lost more than 5st in 18 months after finally deciding to battle against the bulge.

Clare, from Portslade, weighed 17st when she joined a Weight Watchers class in February last year.

But when she stepped on to the scales on Thursday night, she was down to 11.5st. Admiring slimmers handed her a certificate, flowers and a bottle of champagne.

Although she has cut out the chocolate binges, Clare is relieved the Weight Watchers plan still allows her some treats.

She said: "The system means you can eat just about anything, as long as you don't exceed your points limit for the day.

"If I'd wanted to I could have fitted in a huge fish and chips meal, but not much else. But I preferred to do it sensibly and see the weight come off gradually.

"In the evenings I can still have three glasses of wine or whisky or gin, which I like to drink socially. I used to be able to eat five Mars bars by 9am but I wouldn't want to gorge now. I've even gone off chocolate and sweets. I'm happy with my fruit and vegetables."

Clare was advised to lose weight after having a heart operation nine years ago. But she ignored her doctor's advice until deciding on the spur of the moment last year to accompany a friend to a Weight Watchers session at the Mile Oak pub in Mile Oak.

She said: "I thought I'd give it a go to see if it worked. I've always had problems with my weight. I've tried various diets but this is the first time the weight has come off and stayed off."

Clare especially enjoyed handing over her old, over-sized clothes to the charity shops she says she got them from in the first place.

She said: "It's so much better to be looking for clothes in size 14 or 16 at the most, rather than around size 26 or 28.

"I feel even prouder I've managed this at my age. All my friends say they really admire me, which makes me feel great.

"I'm feeling a lot more enthusiastic about life - and if there are any millionaires out there who fancy a new companion, I'm available!"