A SLIMMING World consultant has proved she's a gem.

Sarah Greenwood, who runs a group at Silsden, has received the organisation's Ruby Award in recognition of her achievements.

The accolade, created in 2009 to help celebrate Slimming World's 40th anniversary, is awarded to consultants who attract 40 new members in the space of just a month.

Sarah, who heads-up a group which meets on Thursday evenings at Silsden Sports Club, lost five stones herself with Slimming World.

She said she was delighted to receive the award.

"I truly believe I have the best, most rewarding job in the world," added Sarah.

"There’s no better feeling than helping someone to feel good about themselves, so winning this award really is the – ruby red – cherry on top!"

Since the Silsden sessions were launched just over a year ago, members have together shed 183 stones.

Sarah said she had seen first-hand how losing weight had helped transform people's lives.

"We have just celebrated new target member Carol Lund losing an amazing three stones 4.5lb," she said.

"Carol says Slimming World is now a part of her lifestyle and she enjoys the meals she's making.

"She is a valuable member of the group. I have seen Carol grow in confidence as she has slimmed down and I for one believe she will inspire others to get to target."

Sarah admits that not everyone is keen about the prospect of joining a slimming group.

"Lots of people want to lose weight but they often don’t know how or where to turn for help – and the thought of joining a group can be daunting especially when you don’t feel very confident," she said.

"But everyone’s welcome and we have a lot of fun.

"When members come to my group they tell me that they’ve tried losing weight before and it hasn’t worked, so they feel like failures.

"This leaves people thinking that they can’t do it – however I reassure them that it isn’t them who failed, but the programme they followed."