Forty-one-year-old Ruth had been shortlisted for the Sport England Active People award –– which is designed to recognise people who have had their lives dramatically changed and enhanced by sport or physical activity.

And although she missed out to a sumo wrestler from Derbyshire at the ceremony on Monday, Ruth was an ideal candidate for the award after shifting more than five stone in barely a year.

After giving birth to her second child in May last year, Ruth –– who works for Mansfield District Council's neighbourhood element team –– was 18 stone and had difficulty getting off the sofa.

"I decided I wanted to do something about it, for the kids as much as me because I wanted them to be healthy," said Ruth. "I started by eating better, then I joined Shape Up Notts and I have really seen a difference.""

"It is really addictive to see your points go up and up on the website and you can compare your activity from week to week. One week I did the equivalent of running a half-marathon."

And as well as throwing herself into a new exercise regime –– which involves swimming, running and going to the gym –– Ruth is keen to encourage others to think about losing weight.

"It is really important, especially for parents. We all want to see our children be fit and healthy, but as parents we have to be able to do that ourselves," she said.

And there was some good news for the county as Sutton Swimming Club and Mansfield/Nova Swim Squad swimmer Sam Hynd scooped the Junior Disabled Sports Personality Award at the annual event held at the Derby Assembly Rooms.

Sam –– who has broken European and British records at the 400m freestyle –– gained a place on the world class programme for potential medal winners at the 2012 Olympics.