A woman who wants to have a baby using embryos fertilised with her ex-partner's sperm has failed to persuade him to give his permission.

Natallie Evans, who is recovering from cancer, had eggs taken from her ovaries before they were removed in a life-saving operation.

The eggs, stored at a private clinic in Bath, were willingly fertilised by Howard Johnston's sperm but after the couple split, Mr Johnston withdrew his consent .

After three weeks of talks with his former fianc�e, Mr Johnston, a computer engineer from Gloucester, still wants the six frozen embryos destroyed.

This was, understandably, the most difficult and upsetting decision Mr Johnston has had to make in his life

James Grigg, solicitor

Miss Evans, 30, from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, believes implanting the embryos is her only hope of ever having her own children.

She is now discussing the possibility of legal action with her solicitors.

The decision by Mr Johnston sets the scene for a High Court battle.

The clinic in Bath where the embryos are stored has given an undertaking not to take further action until a ruling by the Family Division of the High Court.

Great sympathy

Solicitor James Grigg, acting for Mr Johnston, said in a statement he believed it would be impossible to provide a "stable and supportive environment" for a child since the breakdown of their relationship.

He said: "This was, understandably, the most difficult and upsetting decision Mr Johnston has had to make in his life.

"Mr Johnston has a great deal of sympathy for Miss Evans in these difficult circumstances.

"He very much hopes that she will eventually be able to understand his decision.

"Mr Johnston also hopes that Miss Evans' wish for children can be satisfied in some other way, perhaps within a new relationship and by the use of a donor egg."