FRIENDS and neighbours of a disabled mum-to-be have pledged to form a human chain around her home to prevent social services bosses taking away her baby.

Penny Roberts, of Steeton, was paralysed after a sky-diving accident and has just four weeks to go before she gives birth to her first child.

She was due to meet with Bradford Council's social services chiefs yesterday (Thursday), as the Herald went to press, in a bid to stop them taking away the child.

They claim it could cost thousands of pounds to provide the round-the-clock care she and the child will need.

The baby's father, 34-year-old Andrew Mitchell, who left her when she was 11-weeks pregnant, has demanded custody.

Meanwhile, Penny says the people of Steeton have vowed to picket her home to stop the baby being removed.

"I have had tremendous support from friends and neighbours," she said. "They said they will come into the house and physically stop people taking my baby away."

Bradford Council has already said it will take the matter to the High Court.

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