Leading QC represents salt pair

Ian and Angela Gay, from Bromsgrove, will be represented by Michael Mansfield QC, whose previous clients include Michael Barrymore.

The couple were sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of the manslaughter of Christian Blewitt.

They claim to have been the victims of a gross miscarriage of justice.

Christian, who was from West Bromwich, died from salt poisoning in December 2002. He had also suffered a fatal head injury

The couple denied causing the toddler's death and insisted he died from natural causes.

Their appeal will be heard at the end of August at the High Court in London.

Jackie Gay, Mr Gay's mother, told BBC WM: "We felt they needed someone with expertise in this particular type of case and he (Michael Mansfield) is very experienced. "For us, it gives us a great boost."

She added the family were determined to clear the couple's names: "We know Ian and Angela could not possibly have done anything to harm Christian.

"We are not just after getting the convictions quashed - we are after their innocence being proved as well."