Two Sussex women have been named the regions' top slimmers after shedding almost 15 stone between them.

Sam Barrey, 33, met Big Brother star Craig Phillips at a ceremony in London after being named Slimming World Sussex Woman of the Year.

Meanwhile Julie Collings, 39, recieved an award from diet guru Rosemary Conley after becoming her diet and fitness magazine regional slimming winner.

Sam, from Scotland Road, Brighton, lost more than 6st on her slimming routine in just 12 months and is now 10st 9lb and a trim size 12.

Julie, a mum-of-three from Peacehaven, reduced her weight from 18st 7lbs to 9st 12lbs, shedding 8st 9lb.

Sam, who works at Brighton Magistrates' Court, joined the Slimming World healthy eating club in Portslade Old Village in April last year.

She said:"I never thought losing weight could be so easy. If someone had told me that in a year's time I'd be six stone lighter and meeting Craig I'd have laughed in their face."

Julie is a member of the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club, which has groups in Brighton, Newhaven and Henfield.

She said:"As well as being slimmer I am also much fitter and have increased self-confidence."

Both women say the support they received from attending the groups was what made their weight loss possible.

Julie will now go through to the Slimmer of the Year 2001 finals in January.

For details about Slimming World contact Shane Blissett on 01273 881327.

To find out more about the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Club classes in Sussex contact Sarah Asgari on 01273 554050.