Landmark ruling in adoption case

Unmarried couples in Northern Ireland are to be allowed to apply to adopt children for the first time.

The landmark ruling was made on Wednesday morning in the UK's highest court, the House of Lords.

It was made in response to a couple from Northern Ireland who have been living as a family with the woman's daughter for the last five years.

The woman's partner wanted to adopt the girl, but was turned down by the courts because they were not married.

The ruling brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.

The unnamed couple's solicitor Evelyn Melanophy said they were "delighted with the decision, which has brought closure to their five-year challenge to the adoption legislation in Northern Ireland".

"The couple will return to the Family Division in the High Court to resume the application that they made initially in January 2003.

"This will then mean that their adoption application will proceed in the normal manner."