For three decades David Chester had tried to put his biological mother out of his mind.

David, 39, viewed his adoptive family as his own and grew up to be a successful French polisher and father to seven children. But yesterday, David saw

his real mother, June, for the first time in more than 30 years on a live television link-up in front of millions of viewers. And later this month he will finally meet her again.

When David and his twin sister, Susan, were just three years old, they were placed into care with their brother, Paul, and sisters Amanda and Julie. Their mother had suffered severe depression after the birth of her youngest child, Graham, and felt unable to cope. The twins were soon fostered and adopted and called their new guardians, Lillian and Mick Chester, mum and dad.

David said: "It was unbelievable, it still hasn't sunk in. My real mum came back and took Amanda and Paul out of care but myself, Susan and Julie were settled by then. She then emigrated to Australia with Graham, Amanda and Paul. From what I can understand, my father was abusive towards her and she didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. He signed all the papers."

Nine years ago, Susan, who lives in Wales, decided to try to trace their natural mother. After years of unsuccessful hunting through organisations including the Salvation Army, she put out an appeal on Teletext 18 months ago.

David said: "A 91-year-old aunt saw it and recognised some of the names. She got in touch and from there we were put in contact with our real family in Australia."

They kept up a year of contact through letters and telephone calls but had never actually met in person. Yesterday, David and Susan thought they were going on to GMTV's Lorraine show to discuss adoption. But unbeknown to them,

the programme had arranged a live satellite link with their real mother, June, sister Amanda and brother Graham in Perth.

Susan had already planned to visit her family in Australia for a reunion at the end of the month and now David will be joining her thanks to a second surprise from GMTV - an airline ticket.

David said: "I'm very apprehensive about it. We've yet to have the conversation with the explanations and apologies, but it was more my father's fault as far as I can understand. I'm pleased I'm going - she's my natural mother and we've already established a bond.But I said to my mum, Lillian, today that she will always be my mum."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.