COUPLES in the only NHS area in England not to support IVF could soon be able to get the treatment.

The Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which covers York, Easingwold and parts of Ryedale, has agreed in principle to fund a single cycle of the fertility treatment to patients.

The former primary care trust suspended funding for IVF in 2010 as part of a bid to save money.

An NHS spokesman said it would decide by June 19 whether to offer the service.

He said: “The CCG has a number of key decisions to make in relation to priorities for future commissioning plans.

Karen Boardman, 34, from York, who has been trying for a baby since she married her husband Pete three years ago, said: “This is a fantastic step forward.

“I can only hope and encourage them to make the right final decision in two weeks - and allow so many couples in York to have a family.”

Nicola Bates, Founder of IVFyes, the national patients’ campaign group, said: “It’s tremendous news.

“We are keen to understand more about how many cycles they will offer and when.

“But we are glad York has finally caught up with the rest of the UK.

“It is an end to the IVF postcode lottery.”