A TEENAGER mother had her baby taken into care because of her relationship with an unsuitable man more than twice her age.

But now the Blackburn woman has succeeded in the first stage of her Appeal Court fight to win back her child.

London's Appeal Court heard that the 19-year-old has now ended the relationship in order to stand a chance of winning back custody of her son and prevent him being adopted.

The woman had him taken away from her early last year, largely because of her continuing relationship with the 'deeply unsatisfactory 40-something year old man," the court heard.

The boy, now two, was later placed for adoption, but the mother vehemently opposed the decision and todaapplied to top family judge, Lord Justice Ward, for permission to appeal against it.

She also asked for adoption proceedings - which were due to be finalised in two days time - to be stayed, pending the outcome of her appeal.

Having heard submissions on behalf of the mother from Eleanor Platt QC, the judge granted both applications, giving the mother hope that she could yet be reunited with her son.

Giving his judgement, Lord Justice Ward said: "Permission to appeal is granted and the adoption proceedings are stayed. The reason for my coming to that decision is that Miss Platt has persuaded me that there are grounds for argument.

"The child was placed in care, mainly because of the nature of the mother's relationship with the forty-something-year-old man, who was deeply unsatisfactory.

"Since last year, the care order having been made, the mother has made considerable advancements and improvements in her life."

The adoption proceedings having been halted in their tracks by the order, the case will now go forward for a full Appeal Court hearing before three judges, with a half-day time estimate.

The judge also ordered that the hearing be expedited, given the urgency of the case .