THE black clouds of depression have finally lifted for super slimmer Jeanette Brennels whose whole world changed after she shed six-and-a-half stones in just 40 weeks.

Chorley housewife Jeanette had endured 30 years of name-calling, loneliness and heartache as a result of being overweight.

She was plunged into an abyss of despair and could see no way out.

Her self-esteem and confidence were at rock bottom -- and she spent years on anti-depressants.

But the mother of six turned it all around -- slmming down from 18st.

Jeanette, aged 40, of Chestnit Avenue, Chorley, joined Slimming World last November following a year of unsuccessful dieting after seeing photographs of herself which made her cringe.

She said: "I'm no longer embarrassed about my size and can now look at myself on photo with pride.

"My husband is pleased with my new look and I now enjoy doing all the normal things, like shopping for clothes and playing with the children."

Life is so different now compared to her childhood days when she had no friends, wore her older sister's clothes and cried herself to sleep.

She even fasted for 24 hours before a holiday trip to Spain by coach for fear of getting stuck on the vehicle's small toilet.

And last year she visited a doctor in a desperate attempt to get her stomach stapled.

Jeanette said: "I think about how much I've missed out on life. Being able to play with my kids, take them for long walks, go on fairground rides and taking them to the swimming baths.

"There's no holding me back now. Every chance I'll get we'll all be at the local leisure centre and I'll not be ashamed of myself if people stare.

"I have bones in my body that I myself can see and feel."

Jeanette won Slimming World's St Peter's morning class Woman of the Year 200 and goes forward to the district final.

She thanked class consultant Lisa Mayor and all her classmates for their strong support.