A LARGS hairdressing salon manager and her husband have told how the arrival of their baby son inspired them to shed an incredible 14 STONES in weight.

Lauren Beckwith, 32, who runs Genesis Hair Salon in Gallowgate Lane, was 19 stone 12 pounds at her heaviest before managing to drop four dress sizes, while husband Carl lost seven and half stone in just 15 months.

The couple say starting a family gave them the motivation to make the changes that have transformed both their outlook and appearance.

Lauren, who is now s Slimming World tutor in the town, said: "I was about to have a baby and that was my main motivation to lose weight.

"I was able to lose five stone in 11 months by changing my diet and getting more active, so I signed up my husband and he too has lost a lot of weight. We are much healthier family and in total have shed 14 stone between us.

"I had my son Harris and was worried I couldn't do half the things a fit mother could. I had a fear of things like soft play and what would happen if equipment couldn't take my weight.

"I've since had another baby, Rhuraidh, who is four months old, and my life has now completely changed. The pregnancy was much more enjoyable this time because I was seven stone lighter.

"We still enjoy a meal and a drink, but it is all now in moderation. We are a much more active family than we were in the past."

Lauren was delighted to get Carl involved in the health kick too.

She said: "It is quite rare for men to come into the environment as Slimming World is seen for women - but men can reap the benefits too. Carl is proof of that."

Lauren is back hosting events on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays in the Cameron Centre and the Largs branch currently has 80 members.

Lauren, who is a former Brisbane and Largs Academy pupil, said: "We made changes, such as cooking a lot more instead of takeaway food.

"We now do much more as a family, from walks down the beach to going around Kelburn."

Carl works for a maintenance company in Largs and met Lauren, who studied musical theatre, when she went up north on a singing job.

To join Slimming World, contact Lauren on 07769 221505.