Curves, the UK's leading fitness and weight-loss centre for women, has announced the results of its annual Curvette of the Year competition.

Alison Partridge, 45, from Pembroke Dock, reached the final and was a runner-up in the Curves nationwide competition to find its most inspirational weight-loss story.

Beating hundreds of other hopefuls to become a Curvette finalist, Alison travelled to London to take part in a glamorous photo shoot and won a shopping spree at Littlewoods.

Alison had a spinal tumour removed in 2010 as it was threatening to cause paralysis. Unfortunately, the surgery itself carried the risk of paralysis, not to mention the dangers associated with being put under anaesthetic at a high weight.

After a successful operation, Alison decided not to waste her second chance and made some radical changes. This new lease of life inspired her to develop a regular exercise regime, resulting in an amazing five-and-a-half stone weight loss.

Since joining Curves, Alison's fitness has drastically improved. She can now complete 20-mile bike rides with her husband and no longer requires any medication for her back pain.

On being a finalist in the competition, Alison said: "After a successful operation to have a spinal tumour removed, I knew I had to make some drastic changes to my lifestyle. Curves appealed to me as there are no men and no mirrors, and I'm so grateful to the team at Curves Pembroke Dock who have helped to give me a second chance at life. I couldn't be happier with my new and improved shape and now have the energy to run around with my three children and be the mum I've always wanted to be!"

Commenting on the results and Alison's story, Curves spokesperson Miranda Wassenaar said: "We had some outstanding entries for the Curves Curvette of the Year competition this year.

"Alison has such a positive and motivating story and has shown that you can overcome medical conditions with the help of exercise. Not only did she lose a huge amount of weight by working out at Curves, but she has tackled and resolved her health problems. I'm sure she will inspire busy mums everywhere!"

The competition was open to any Curves member who regularly attended their local Curves club. Seven regional finalists were chosen to go through to a rigorous judging process where one overall winner and two runners-up were chosen.

The judging panel included the lifestyle editor of Chat magazine, who will feature a double-page spread on the Curvette of the Year competition in an October issue.

Burning up to 500 calories in a session, the Curves 30-minute circuit is a proven programme of strength training, cardio and stretching suitable for women of all ages and fitness levels.