A WOMAN who lost almost 11 stone was in a twirl when she met Strictly Come Dancing star Brendan Cole.

Linda Wakefield, who attends the Welwyn Slimming World group each week, met Brendan at an awards night.

Linda was at Slimming World's Woman of the Year 2007 semi finals, where she won the title of Hertfordshire Woman of the Year after shedding 10st 9lbs.

She was voted through to the final stages of the competition by hundreds of other slimmers from Hertfordshire because of her commitment and inspirational attitude.

Linda also won £1000 and two tickets to Slimming World's glittering Awards Ceremony next month at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham where she will be centre stage to find out if she has won the title of UK Woman of the Year 2007.

Linda said: "I was thrilled to make it through to the semi finals and I had a wonderful day meeting other women who shared similar experiences.

"Meeting Brendan Cole was brilliant - he was absolutely gorgeous! I watch him on the TV every Saturday but never thought I'd get as close as the celebrities do. He was a lovely guy and gave us some great praise and encouragement - he even showed us a few moves."

Brendan has danced with a whole host of celebrities including Natasha Kaplinsky, Fiona Phillips and Claire King and he can currently be seen on screen partnering the glamorous Kelly Brook.

For further information or to join please call Sarah Gardner on 01707 882055 or call Group Enquiries 0844 897 8000 for details of other groups in your area.

Linda attends the Welwyn Slimming World group which runs on Thursdays at 7.30pm at Civic Centre Small Hall, Prospect Place, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.