Laura Ripley, of Stonehouse Drive, has battled to lose weight for years after ballooning to 38 stone back in 2005, with the help of more than £8,000 of NHS treatment.

She lost 16 stone by going to the gym twice a week, eating healthily and having a costly operation to have her stomach stapled.

She even managed to compete in the Race for Life in Alexandra Park last year.

In fact, such was her progress, the huge Take That fan was told she was no longer classified as disabled and that her £340 disability allowance would be cut.

Now though the 25-year-old is saying that decision will cause her to pile the pounds back on because she can no longer afford to eat as much healthy food or pay her gym membership.

This despite the fact that her and her boyfriend still receive around £600 a month in hand outs and live in a flat which boasts Sky TV.

Speaking to the Observer this week, Miss Ripley said: "I used the £340 to buy healthier food and paid to go to Falaise Gym twice a week. If I had the money I'd love to carry on going but I've had to cancel my gym membership.

"My money was cut because I've lost a lot of weight but I'm still not fit enough to work.

"I cannot do much because of my obesity and I also suffer from depression and anxiety.

"I have put on a bit of weight since the benefit was stopped. I do eat crisps and chocolate but what person doesn't when they are depressed?"

Miss Ripley, who lives with her 28-year-old boyfriend Simon Hawkins - an unemployed chef who moved to St Leonards from Manchester after the pair met in internet chat room - was pilloried last week in the national press and labelled a fat scrounger.

However, these are claims she disputes and is adamant she has been misrepresented. "I only eat junk food when I am down but still eat a lot of healthier food." said Miss Ripley, "I usually eat Bran Flakes or museli for breakfast, stay clear of bread all together because it bloats me, and eat fruit, vegetables and crispbread for lunch.

"I'm sick of people thinking of me in a bad light and I want to prove them all wrong. I've lost so much weight and simply would not just stuff myself again. I limit myself to 1,200 calories a day.

"We try to eat as healthily as we can on our limited budget. We use a shop in town that sells food slightly out-of-date because it is cheaper."

Miss Ripley, who wants to become a fitness instructor, said between her and Simon they live off £600 a month in benefits. This is made up of £400 incapacity benefit and £200 income support.

The money is used to pay £70 towards the monthly rent on their two-bedroom flat, electricity, water supply and food.

Her love affair with junk food began when she was 12. Back then she already weighed 15 stone and was bullied relentlessly. She says cruel classmates dubbed her Mrs Blobby and that she was often kicked - resulting in a life-long struggle with depression.

However, Miss Ripley - who plans on appealing against the decision to cut her benefits - says she will not give up on her dream of being thin.

She said defiantly: "If all goes well I should be able to have a full gastric bypass operation in a few months time.

"I am not giving up as it is my dream to get into a pair of size 12 jeans."

What do you think of Miss Ripley's complaints? Leave your comments below.