TIRED of her long-term weight problem, Melanie Linsley is backing herself to shed the pounds.

Mrs Linsley, 37, from Newcastle, developed an underactive thyroid five years ago and her weight has fluctuated ever since.

Now, the mother-of-one - a vegetarian - is determined to rid herself of her unwanted excess weight.

She is placing a bet with bookmakers William Hill that she can lose five stones in time for next Christmas.

Mel, who is keeping her current weight a secret between the bookies and herself, has been quoted odds of 10-1 and intends to place a £100 bet.

She said: "I have struggled with my weight for a long time because my underactive thyroid makes it a lot harder to lose weight.

"I just needed some sort of motivation because I am convinced I can do it."

Mrs Linsley intends to get Christmas out of the way first - then join Weight Watchers and her local gym.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "It's not the sort of bet we normally get, but we have taken weight loss bets in the past. It's one of our more popular personal-related bets.

"People think they have a better chance of beating the bookmaker by betting on themselves."