A serial killer has applied for permission to appeal against his conviction for murdering five women.

Steve Wright was last month unanimously convicted by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court of murdering the five prostitutes, including Colchester vice girl Anneli Alderton.

The 49-year-old has lodged papers with the court seeking permission to appeal against his conviction, for which he was sentenced to serve the rest of his life in prison.

Julie Crosby, manager of Ipswich Crown Court, said that Wright had applied to appeal and for a representation order for a new solicitor.

"The paperwork has now been sent to the Court of Appeal in London, where it will be considered," she said.

Mrs Crosby said she could not comment on the grounds Wright, formerly of London Road, Ipswich, had cited in appealing against his conviction.

The bodies of Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Miss Alderton, Annette Nicholls and Paula Clenell had all been found dumped in countryside near Ipswich in December 2006.