A MOTHER of 15 who claims almost £49,000-a-year in benefits says she will continue having children even though her next pregnancy could kill her.

Margaret Wilson, 41, and her partner refuse to work because of the amount of benefits they can claim.

Eric Jamieson, 34, the father of her last 11 children, quit his job because his wage couldn't match the state handouts.

Ms Wilson, of Fawdon, Newcastle, had her first two children, Gary, 21, and Lisa, 17, with one of her first boyfriends and the next two, William, 15 and Tony, 13, with another man.

She and Eric started having children together in 1993 and now have Tracey, 12, Steven, ten, Sophie, nine, Shaun, eight, Carly, seven, Choe, six, Ryan, five, Courtney, four, Nathan, three, and one-year-old twins Jordan and Jamie.

Speaking yesterday, she said: "I do not feel guilty about claiming benefits - who in Newcastle doesn't claim benefits?

"Once the kids are fed, there is no money left. I can't save up and have never been able to - I don't suppose I ever will."

"I only have 15 children because I don't believe in abortion. I am not religious - I just don't believe in it.

"I want to continue having children. The doctors have told me that I would be risking my life. It's not that I am addicted. I just love them.

"I have had seven miscarriages, but that is just the risk I have to take.

"I have thought about contraception. The doctor gave me the pill once and told me to take it on the first day of my next period, but I didn't have a next period because I was pregnant."

The family claims child tax credit of £619, child benefit of £165, carer's allowance of £58, income support £37 and housing benefit of £61 - a yearly total of £48,880.

Last night, it was revealed that 14-year-old William is a schoolboy dad - after fathering a child with the girl next door.

He now divides his time between helping his mother and caring for Angeline Dugdale, aged 17, and their nine-month-old baby, Amy.

"I found out Angeline was pregnant when I was just 13," he added. "We are going to stick together. That should be easy - we are next door neighbours."