Sam Barrey always dreamed of flying in a hot air balloon but never booked the trip because she was embarrassed about her weight.

Now the 33-year-old from Brighton has finally taken to the skies over Egypt after shedding more than 6st.

Sam, of Scotland Road, said: "I thought I would never get the chance to go in a balloon because I was so embarrassed about my size.

"I had no confidence and would often not go out because I dreaded people looking at my size and I couldn't find clothes comfortable enough to wear."

She is now 10st 9lb, a trim size 12 - and happier than she has ever been.

Sam, who works at Brighton Magistrates' Court, joined the healthy eating club in Portslade Old Village in April last year after moving house with husband Glen.

Sam said: "I had been large since I was a teenager and was too embarrassed to join a club near my home where people might know me."

But Sam, who has been a vegetarian for ten years, soon caught on to Slimming World's moderate eating plan.

A year after she joined the club Sam reached her goal weight.

On Sunday her efforts were rewarded after she was named Sussex Woman of the Year by Slimming World.

Next month she will travel to Derby to compete in the organisation's national finals.

Club leader Shane Blissett said: "Sam is determined but what is really nice about her is how she encourages other members too."