CHRISTINE Harris tried everything to lose weight, from slimming groups to fad diets, after she piled on the pounds following the birth of her son. But she went from big mama to svelte mum when she swallowed her inhibitions to kick-start a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

Ms Harris, 48, overcame her embarrassment to take up a new sport and lost six stones in 14 months to return to her pre-pregnancy weight of eight and a half stone.

She is also the proud owner of a brown belt in kick-boxing. Ms Harris, of Henllys, Cwmbran, explained that she piled on the weight following Christian's arrival in 1995, and had tried everything to shift the pounds.

"All it did was make me concentrate on food all the time," she said. "I just couldn't stick with it."

When Christian was five he started kick-boxing at the KKAW class run by Dave Jennings at Fairwater leisure centre.

"A couple of years went by and I kept saying, 'I wish I could do that'. Dave tried to get me to join the adults' class."

Ms Harris felt too self-conscious, but eventually she and a friend plucked up the courage - although they would only join the children's class. "I started working out with the children and loved it so much I joined the adults. The weight just started coming off. I couldn't believe it. My clothes started getting baggier."

As well as the regular exercise, Ms Harris found she stopped eating chocolates and crisps, and the kick-boxing sessions also boosted her confidence.

Now she attends Dave's classes five times a week at Fairwater, Risca and Pontypool leisure centres.

"I feel really trim and fit. The bonus is sharing an interest with my son. We attend classes together and spar with each other."

Christian, who is delighted with his new-look mum, has also done well in the sport and has a brown belt with a black tag.

Ms Harris said she was extremely grateful to Mr Jennings for his support. "My advice to anyone who is struggling with their weight is to join their nearest kick-boxing class," she said.