A GROUND-breaking legal challenge to save the frozen embryos of Trowbridge woman Natallie Evans was launched in the High Court on Thursday.

Miss Evans has joined Lorraine Hadley from Staffs, in the fight to challenge laws that say both parties must consent to the storage and use of frozen embryos created from a man's sperm and a woman's egg.

Miss Evans, 30, is trying to stop her former partner, Howard Johnston, 25, from destroying six embryos that are her last chance to have a child.

Her solicitor, Muiris Lyons of Withy King, said: "It is not just about them. The result will affect everyone undertaking IVF treatment.

"The law as it stands gives their former partners a complete veto. They say that is unfair and discriminatory."

Mr Lyons said they will argue that as a woman's partner has no right to decide the fate of an embryo in the womb, it is unfair to give that right to men taking part in IVF treatment.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 says the embryos must be destroyed if either party withdraws consent.

The case was due to be heard yesterday by the president of the High Court family division, Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss. It was expected only preliminary issues would be dealt with and a date set for the full hearing.

Miss Evans underwent a cancer operation in which her ovaries were removed. The embryos were created just before the operation.

Mr Johnston, now living in Gloucester, told a national newspaper he wants a legal deal to protect him from any child support claims.