The mother of a teenager, stabbed and left for dead in a remote beauty spot, claims hundreds of people have already signed a petition launched to block the release of her son's assailants.

Joanne Murray only began distributing copies over the weekend, targeting friends and family as well as the workplaces of professional colleagues.

However, at least 50 forms have already been returned, each signed by as many of 30 people supporting her campaign.

Ashley Murray was just 14 when he was attacked by two boys he thought were his friends.

All three had spent a January afternoon three years ago watching the horror film, Scream, before walking to woods near their homes on the edge of Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

A trial at Hull Crown Court in 1999 heard Daniel Gill and Robert Fuller suddenly turned on Ashley, stabbing him 18 times - 11 in the head.

Believing him dead, they wrapped him in a bin liner they had brought with them before going home, later telling police the last they had seen of him was when he had stormed off after a row over a game of football.

Ashley survived 40 hours in freezing temperatures until he was found by chance by a man walking his dog.

Gill and Fuller were each convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to six years in young offenders' institutes.

However, even though the judge described them as "a menace to society", it emerged earlier this month both could be out on parole as early as January next year.

Mrs Murray has been bombarding Home Secretary David Blunkett with letters, urging him to intervene ever since.

She has yet to even receive an acknowledgement.

However, she says the response to her petition has given her renewed strength - and a belief that she is fighting a just cause.

"Tony Blair speaks a lot about improving the lot of the victim; Ashley is still a victim today and I cannot see how freeing these two will make anything any better for him."

However, Fuller's mother, Vanessa, says her family is also hurting and her son should be given a chance.

"Robert's served his time and should be able to get on with his life," she said.

"Everyone has a right to their opinion, but the parole board should be left to do its job; nobody should be allowed to interfere with its decision-making."