IVF couple in race against time

A couple are facing a race against time to save their six fertilised embryos which are due for disposal on 8 May.

Under UK law embryos created for surrogacy must be destroyed after five years have elapsed.

Martin Hymers and Michelle Hickman, from Heaton Chapel, Greater Manchester, undertook IVF treatment following a post pregnancy hysterectomy.

They are appealing to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority to transfer the embryos abroad.

'Children-to-be'

The couple, who spent £10,000 on fertility treatment, have yet to find a surrogate mother.

They are looking for another country to store the embryos until a surrogate mother can be found.

"We haven't found a country to take them yet," Ms Hickman, 33, told the BBC.

"To us they have always been 'children-to-be'," she added.

The couple are also calling for a change in the law.

Doctors carried out the hysterectomy six years ago following the delivery of the couple's son.

The couple have seven other embryos which are due to be disposed of next year.