Creator of Dolly turns to human cell cloning

The creator of Dolly the sheep was today given a licence to clone human embyros.

Professor Ian Wilmut hopes to grow cloned cells to develop treatments for spinal motor neurone disease, which causes paralysis and death, often through respiratory failure.

"This is only the second licence ever granted by the Human Fertilisation and Embrology Authority to use this technique. Our aim will be to generate stem cells purely for research purposes," said Professor Wilmut.

But he was adamant the cells would not develop beyond 14 days and not be used for any other purpose

"This is not reproductive cloning in any way,"he said. Supporters hailed the decision to award a licence.

Professor Roger Pederson at Cambridge University said: "This is a very exciting development. It will enable the disease to be studied throughout its development. It's very likely to work."

It was also welcomed by people with the disease. "There have been dozens of drug treatments," said Esther Camp, 31. "For me and every other sufferer, this is the only chance left."