THE plight of Nicci Saunders, who is being refused a bereavement award because she was not married to road accident victim Joe Wilkins, strikes right at the heart of what society views as a solid, unbreakable relationship.

Ms Saunders was with Mr Wilkins for more than seven years and the couple had two children. Yet because they were not married she is not eligible for the award, which can be worth up to £12,980.

The rules are clear, but it does raise the question of how we as a society determine a stable relationship.

Even if people like Ms Saunders were given the type of recognition she is seeking, where do we draw the line?

Is it easy just to say X number of years and X number of children qualifies?