A UNION is to be asked to back a campaign by a grieving mother to ensure driving bans for dangerous drivers begin after they have left prison.

Jan Woodward, of Billingham, near Stockton, whose teenager daughter Kelly was killed by a drink-driver, launched a petition in October.

Kelly, 19, was a passenger in a car driven by Andrew Burrell when he crashed into a tree in Marsh House Avenue, Billingham, in July 2006.

Burrell, of Dorset Street, Hartlepool, who had been driving for only two months, was twice over the legal drink-drive limit. At his trial, he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Mrs Woodward has already succeeded in her fight to have the 30-month prison sentence imposed on Burrell increased to four and-a-half years and his driving ban extended to five years after three appeal judges found the sentence unduly lenient. But because of the way the law stands, Burrell's driving ban runs while he serves his sentence and he could be driving again within six months of leaving jail.

Mrs Woodward's aim is to collect 10,000 names to present to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, calling for the change in the law.

So far more than 7,000 people have added their signatures to the campaign.

Now the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) is to be asked to pledge its support to the campaign at its annual delegates meeting in Blackpool next month.

The Northern Tesco's branch put the proposal forward and plans are now in place to discuss it.

Branch secretary, Allan Kell, said it was in full support of what Mrs Woodward was trying to achieve.

He said: "We want to lobby the Government to get a change in the law in terms of driving bans. The ban should start after the custodial term has been completed.

"It is a very important campaign, which doesn't just affect Mrs Woodward and her friends, but other families who have lost loved ones."

Mr Kell added: "I didn't pick up on the fact that the bans start in prison until this campaign started. I was surprised that this has not been picked up by any governments.

"Changes to the law should be made as soon as possible."