A YOUNG woman forced to flee war-torn Africa to Bolton with her family spoke to members of the House of Lords before peers considered legislation that would remove benefits from failed asylum seekers.

Flores Sukula, aged 21, told members how her family had been forced to live on handouts and charity after their benefits were stopped.

The House was yesterday debating the Borders and Immigration Bill.

Campaigners have called for Section 9 of the legislation, which would allow the Government to withdraw benefits from failed asylum seekers, to be dropped. The Sukula family, who live in Great Lever having fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2001, were one of 116 families whose benefits were withdrawn as part of a pilot scheme in Greater Manchester.

At a meeting organised by the Children's Society on Monday, Miss Sukula addressed five peers who are today due to complete a two-day debate on the Bill before it returns to the House of Commons.

Miss Sukula said: "I told them how hard it had been for my family and I hope they will help to give every child who comes to this country a fair chance."