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Alexandra Saunders - willing to sell her eggs

Egg Donors

In 2002 a student from Aston University hit the headlines when she sold her eggs to an infertile couple in America.

Four years on Inside Out looks at the issues that still surround egg donation, and the shortage of egg donors.

Fertility treatment

Every year, 4,000 women apply to receive fertility treatment with the help of donated eggs, but there are only 1,000 available eggs.

It's illegal in this country to sell your eggs - you can only donate your eggs altruistically.

Recent change in the law means that donations can't be anonymous, so when a child born from a donated egg reaches 18, he or she can find out who their biological mother is.

This lack of anonymity puts many potential donors off.

But in Eastern Europe and America this isn't the case - donations are anonymous, and women can be paid - which has created a market for those willing to pay thousands for the chance of parenthood.

Eggs for cash

Alexandra Saunders is one woman who is willing to sell her eggs for cash.

In an exclusive interview for Inside Out she says that increasing debt led to her putting her eggs on the market through an internet site.

She first heard about the trade in a magazine article:

"I was sat in a doctor's waiting room and I read about it in a magazine - it was saying about girls coming from Britain and going to America and selling their eggs for 30 grand.

"It just sounds a good idea, easy money really, and it helps someone out. Cos I'm not using them, so if someone else can it would be good, and also clear me out of a hole too."

Search for donors

Miracle of life - a precious egg from a donor

For couples who receive eggs the result can be life changing.

Steve and Elaine Eades were one couple who received an egg from a voluntary donor at Midland Fertility Services in Aldridge.

The birth of twins Millie and Grace has made their family complete, and they are calling for more women to consider voluntary donation.

"We can't thank that person enough and we never will be able to thank that person, but for people thinking of donatingÂ…

"It can make people happy beyond anything in your wildest dreams." Steve Eades

As the debate over the rights and wrongs of donor anonymity and paying women for eggs rages on, thousands of couples face an anxious wait to find a suitable donor.

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Mining Disaster

Mining tragedy - Inside Out goes underground

Ninety years ago the one of Britain's worst ever mining disasters killed more than 150 men and boys.

But what caused Staffordshire's Minnie Pit to explode?

And why has no one every been held responsible?

Inside Out travels to the North Staffordshire village of Halmerend, where some residents are determined that this terrible loss of life should never be forgotten.

We hear the voices of people who were caught in the blast and find out how they survived together with the stories of the local families who lost fathers, brothers and sons.

Ely Hubert was one of the surviving miners who remembers the fateful day:

"I met one girl, who came across and asked if I had seen her father, of course I said no, but I knew she wouldn't see her father again.

"I will never forget itÂ… "Never forget it."

At the time it was decided that no one was to blame.

But Inside Out has discovered evidence showing the explosion could have easily been prevented.

Plus we find out that in the days and weeks leading to the tragedy people knew, all too well, that the Minnie Pit was an accident waiting to happen.

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Bournville Bells

Summoned by bells - the Carillon Festival

In 1906, George Cadbury, the then head of the Cadbury chocolate empire, brought an unusual musical instrument to the village of Bournville, in Birmingham.

Ashley Blake goes to investigate the weird and wonderful Carillon.

The Carillon is much like an organ, but instead of pipes it has a system of massive bells.

It is more commonly found in Continental Europe, in countries like the Netherlands and Germany than it is in Britain.

To tie in with the instrument's centenary comes a chance for Bournville to mark the birthday with Carillon festival.

Musicians from across the world are coming to city for a special festival, some bringing their own instruments in tow.

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