A mum whose daughter was given the gift of a new heart is backing calls to introduce an opt-out organ donation system.

Emma-Jane Taylor is speaking ahead of an important debate in the House of Commons tomorrow on a new bill which would introduce the system in England.

The St Bees woman knows first-hand how important donors are, as her 21-year-old daughter Katy has recently celebrated the first year anniversary of her heart transplant.

"I think it would be a fantastic idea and save a lot more lives," said Emma-Jane.

"This is a massive step in the right direction. This is fantastic as its bringing everything into the forefront of people's minds and it will be wonderful if we can get more people on the register.

"People need to make sure their family are aware. I hope it goes through on Friday."

Katy was seriously ill in hospital before getting her new heart and her grateful family say she is now living life to the full.

"We are incredibly grateful to the donor and their family, we can't thank them enough for what they've given us," said Emma-Jane. "We just count our blessings every day."

Prime Minister Theresa May made an announcement last year detailing the system which would see people automatically signed up to be organ donors when they die, and they have to opt out if they don't wish to.

Since a government consultation was launched in December to gather the public's views about the opt-out system, Emma-Jane said there has been an increase in the number of transplants as the situation had been thrown into the spotlight.

New research released by the British Heart Foundation this week shows that almost three-quarters of English people are in favour of an opt-out organ donation system.

A consultation into the presumed consent system for organ donation runs to March 6. To have your say, go to engage.dh.gov.uk/organdonation