Judith Kilshaw, the woman at the centre of a legal battle over twin girls adopted via the internet is trawling Europe for a new child.

Mrs. Kilshaw has traveled to Italy on a fact-finding mission and is investigating which European countries will allow a British couple to adopt an unwanted child.

Alan Kilshaw, speaking at his Chester home, says they may wish to follow the example of Mariah Carey who reportedly says she would like to adopt a war orphan.

Mr. Kilshaw explained, "Judith is in Europe to check out the legal situations in various countries, to see which ones would be most amenable to allow a foreign couple to adopt. It is difficult to do these things over the phone as you are constantly trying to find consulates when they are in their offices and dealing with staff who do not necessarily speak English.

"We are keeping a totally open mind as to which country we would go for, although I think we can rule out Germany as its laws are similar to those in Britain. I also think France is unlikely as it is bound to involve miles of red tape.

"We were always particularly interested in taking in a child who came from an underprivileged background, so we are also looking further east to places like the Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria. I heard a report recently that Mariah Carey has said she would like to adopt a child who is suffering because of the situation in Afghanistan.

"Good luck to her, I hope she succeeds. That tells a great deal and our preference is to give some security and stability to an underprivileged child."