KEEP fit fans couldn't believe that Karen Scott had never been to a gym 17 months ago.

The svelte nine-stone property manager is a regular at her York gym - and has dropped a staggering seven dress sizes since she joined.

Karen began her fitness regime in July 2001, and vowed that this time she would stick to it.

"I have started diets more times than I can remember," she admits.

"But this time for me it was not so much about a diet as about getting fit.

"I was a size 22 when I started and I wanted to go to a gym where the people were friendly, not a big warehouse gym.

"I had never been before and I thought everyone would be in skimpy Lycra, but the reality is that everyone is normal."

Karen, who lives in Malton but works in York, said the support from her partner John and staff at the Le Meridien Health and Fitness Club had been invaluable.

As a reward for all her hard work, the hotel has given her a weekend break for two at Le Meridien Selsdon Hotel, in Surrey.

She added: "I think it has been totally life-changing, with a new outlook as well as a new shape. It's been about getting into a healthy frame of mind.

"Anyone can do it, you don't have to spend money - we can all walk and take the stairs instead of the lift."

Updated: 11:19 Tuesday, January 28, 2003