A gipsy couple are fighting for the right to live on their own land.

Diabetes sufferer John Moulden, 73, lives in three caravans with his wife Phyllis off Westgate Hill, Bradford.

The family paid £10,000 for the parcel of land off Westgate Hill Street four years ago after moving from a permanent travellers' site in Mary Street, Bowling, Bradford.

They are now appealing against Bradford Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the caravans which will also scupper their dreams of building a bungalow there.

Mr Moulden is due to have his remaining leg amputated due to gangrene and the family say they are desperate to provide him with a suitable home.

A Government planning inspector will now rule on their appeal against the Council's decision to turn down their application on road safety grounds.

A tearful Mrs Moulden, 72, pictured, who has 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, said: "My husband had one leg removed about four years ago.

"We got this place then, hoping to build a bungalow on it, so he can be comfortable.

"These applications have cost us £700 so far.

"Now my husband is so poorly, we are desperate. It is touch and go. Doctors say the only way to save him is to take his leg off.

"If we don't get permission, they will kick us off and we have nowhere else to go. This is our home, which we have poured our life savings into."

The Council has contended that vehicles going in to and out of the site will increase traffic dangers in Westgate Hill Street, which is part of the A650.

But the family has argued they have room to turn cars around on their land to avoid having to reverse into the main road.

Mrs Moulden said: "All the neighbours have to reverse out into the road, so why aren't we allowed to pull out forwards? I don't know why they have turned us down.

"My husband is a very likeable man and gets on well with all the neighbours. He has always worked, as a scrap man and selling potatoes."

A Council spokesman said: "We will now await the outcome of the appeal hearing."