TWO brothers behind the failed Lapland New Forest attraction are to appeal their convictions after claims a juror was texting her fiancee in court.

Lawyers for Victor Mears, 67, and Henry Mears, 60, said messages were sent back and forth while the juror was in the jury box with one message reading "guilty".

The brothers, from Brighton, were jailed for 13 months in March after they were convicted of misleading the public in relation to the attraction.

Their trial heard that customers expecting a "bustling" Christmas market and "winter wonderland" near Ringwood "where dreams come true" were greeted by a muddy field, fairy lights dangling from a tree and a broken ice rink.

Today a top judge at London's Court of Appeal granted them permission to appeal their convictions after hearing about alleged juror misconduct during the trial.