Mum Claire Bowler may have to spend Christmas in prison after her appeal against a conviction for arson was deferred because the paperwork was not ready.

Mrs Bowler, 36, of Beaulieu Road, Toothill, is said to be devastated not to be reunited with her husband George and 14-year-old daughter after the hearing.

She was sentenced in June to five years in prison after being found guilty of starting a fire that caused £25,000 worth of damage in her home.

She has always maintained that the fire was an accident and her husband has been campaigning for her release ever since. Mrs Bowler's barrister Robin Shellard said: "It's very disappointing for her, but we have high hopes that we can get another appeal date as soon as possible."