A single mother with two children faces losing her job and going into bed and breakfast accommodation in Oxford if the Ministry of Defence evicts her a week tomorrow, writes Suzanne Huband.

Julie Payne, 35, and her children Ben, eight, and Daniel, four, live in an RAF property in Raynham Close, Carterton. Her husband, Kevin, was made redundant from the RAF and the couple have since separated.

She is one of up to 40 tenants facing eviction after being classed by the MoD as "irregular occupants". The plight of the families has been taken up by district councillor Harry Watts, who has branded the situation a scandal and written to the Queen pleading for clemency.

Mrs Payne, who works as a civilian at RAF Brize Norton, said: "I am frightened to death and can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

"I don't drive, so if we are moved into bed and breakfast in Oxford I don't know what I will do. I could lose my job."

Mr Watts is helping Mrs Payne to apply through the county court for a stay of execution against the eviction. A defence housing spokesman said there was a strong demand for larger quarters to house new families moving to RAF Brize Norton with a new squadron of transport aircraft.