YORK tug-of-love mum Allison Williams has had an emotional reunion with her son - but still faces a fight to bring him home.

Allison, 40, travelled across the Atlantic to meet up with seven-year-old Daniel in California on Saturday.

She was going into a crunch meeting today that could decide whether Daniel can come back with her to York.

Allison travelled to America after Daniel's father, Kevin Stucki, died of leukaemia a week ago.

The pair had been embroiled in lengthy legal battles over Daniel, but had

reached a shared custody agreement on his care.

Allison now wants to assume full parental rights and responsibilities, but

must launch a new legal fight if she is to be successful.

She said she was delighted to have been reunited with Daniel, who she had not seen since last October.

Allison added that she was determined to be at Daniel's side at the meeting today, which was due to ask the youngster where he saw his future.

"I spent the whole of Saturday with him. He had been waiting for me all day. I feel 150 per cent better," she said.

"Daniel wanted to go swimming and he has been spending lots of time with me.

"He is being very brave. He is talking a lot and is asking a lot of questions.

"But being with him has made all the struggles worthwhile. He has also had some time with Ashley (Daniel's half-sister) and he feels very secure with

her."

Allison was locked in talks with her attorney in Anaheim yesterday in a bid to launch custody proceedings.

She is still trying to raise the 5,000 dollars (£3,100) that it will cost to bring the case to a Californian court.

Allison said she hoped that, if things go well, there could be a hearing in court as early as Tuesday.

She added: "It is lovely being here with Daniel. I think he feels that too. I will be at the meeting today."

Updated: 12:34 Monday, January 13, 2003