PRISON authorities last night said they would discourage the rumoured marriage between serial killer Rose West and the bass player from the band Slade.

The Durham inmate, who is serving ten life sentences for killing ten young women and girls, is said to have fallen in love with Dave Glover after exchanging letters with the 36-year-old musician while in prison.

She is not thought to have met the Aylesbury-based bass player, who joined the rock band three years ago, but there are rumours they are hoping to marry in Durham Prison's chapel.

However, prison authorities warned last night that such a move would be "strongly discouraged" as West is likely to spend the rest of her life behind bars.

The Prison Service said it could not comment on individual prisoners but added that in order to marry while in jail, an application must be made to the prison governor.

A spokeswoman said: "They get a civil rights marriage and whilst the Prison Service does not encourage marriage whilst in custody, we give all requests full consideration."

West, 48, was jailed in 1995 for a string of convictions relating to the murders at her house in Cromwell Road, Gloucester, where the bodies of victims were buried under the house and in the garden.

West's solicitor Leo Goatley yesterday declined to comment on the rumoured wedding, but it is believed West recently wrote to him, telling him she had "fallen in love with one of the members of Slade".