Mother Teresa Kirk has shed the equivalent weight of her twins after piling on the pounds during her married years.

The weight started to accumulate when she married her husband, John, ten years ago.

But when she tipped the scales at more than 15st she knew she had to do something about her figure.

She enrolled in a weight loss class last year and has now shed 5st 11b, the equivalent weight of her two-year-old twins James and Elissa.

Teresa, 31, of Wade Close, Eastbourne said: "It's an amazing coincidence.

"When the figure came up on the scales I couldn't believe it. I was completely taken aback."

Teresa, a carer for disabled children, admitted she had taken to feasting on fatty foods which saw her dress size swell to a 26.

Now at 10st 10lb and a size 12, she can slot comfortably into clothes she last wore ten years ago.

A pair of jeans she bought in 1991 is now so baggy she is able to slot the twins into each leg hole.

Her new-found figure has also drawn the admiration of her husband.

However, with the joy of having lost so much weight has come some hardship.

Teresa has been forced to abandon the full-fat sausages, creamy mashed potato and fizzy pop she used to devour in front of the television.

She has also had to banish the generous portions of apple crumble or sticky cakes she used to ladle with cream and custard.

Teresa said: "I really miss the Chinese meals that I enjoyed once a week but I suppose it's a good job I've given them up because I'm one of those people who would spend £30 in one go."

Her only treat now is the bar of chocolate she allows herself once a week.

Teresa's successful weight loss efforts have inspired other family members too.

Her two sisters Anita Newman, 29, and Lori West, 24, mother Della West, 59, and husband John, 35, have all cut the calories with credible results.

Teresa said: "When my sister in law came down before Christmas she actually walked straight past me because she couldn't recognise me.

"Everyone in my family and class is very proud of me. I'm amazed it has come off so quickly because I haven't changed my diet that drastically."

Teresa's flab fighting took place at weekly sessions with Slimming World at Shinewater Community and Sports Centre in Eastbourne, where people are given advice on what foods to eat.

Class leader Nicky Buckman said: "It is an amazing coincidence that she's lost that amount of weight but at the same time she has done brilliantly.

"In fact she has turned out to be one of the quickest weight losers I've had. Whereas some other people lose weight then put it back on again, she has got on with it and kept it off."