A BLACKPOOL woman has turned her dream into a fundraising marathon by swapping pounds of fat for pounds sterling.

Judith Hollas, of Gloucester Avenue, decided she would lose weight for charity after a lifetime of failed diets.

And it seems to have worked because Judith has now dropped from a dress size 24 to a size 18 and is still losing.

"This is the most weight I have ever lost," said Judith, who began a fitness regime at Blackpool Sports Centre, Stanley Park, as part of her programme.

Friends and customers at Booker Cash and Carry on Peel Industrial Estate, where Judith works, have rallied round and sponsored her during the five months she has been dieting, raising £600 for the Macmillan Windmill appeal after Booker donated an extra £100 on top of the £500 already raised.

"Raising money for a good cause has kept me motivated," said Judith, who intends to keep going until she reaches a size 14.

"I've tried every diet going and nothing has worked for me until now.

"I learned it's not about weight it's about health and how you feel," she said.

Judith has been attending Rosemary Conley classes at the Victoria Congregational Church, Newton Drive, under the careful supervision of instructor Karen Hammer.

"They say life begins at 40 and mine certainly has. I feel so much better," said Judith, who would like to thank everyone for their support.