A LOLLIPOP lady from Winsford re-kindled her love of swimming and has shed six stones in the process.

Marie Barnett piled on the pounds after having three children and saw her weight rocket up to more than 20 stone. She now weighs 14 stone and is close to achieving her target weight.

She said: “Joining the gym and getting back into swimming has really changed my life. I used to cry in changing rooms because I couldn’t find anything to fit me.

“After I got married and had the children the weight problems began. I was too embarrassed to wear a swimsuit and I used to look at holiday photos of myself and feel ashamed.”

Marie, a lollipop lady at Darnhall School for the past 16 years, plucked up the courage to return to the pool, setting herself goals to swim a little bit further each time.

“I’m now a size 18 and my family are very proud of me. The teachers, parents and school governors have all been very kind and given me lots of compliments.”

She added: “I’ve recently swapped my high visibility coat for a smaller size, I feel a lot more energetic and happier.”

Marie set herself a target weight of 12 stones and has taken up Tai Chi and Zumba classes to boost her exercise and healthy eating regime.

Marie has now set a personal best of half a mile in the pool, feeling more positive and healthy as a result.

Julie Kirkham, facility manager at Winsford Lifestyle Centre said: “Marie has achieved fantastic results in the pool and is a great role model.

“Brio have set out to encourage more people to take up swimming as an activity to improve their health and wellbeing.”