Church pays convert's legal bill

Mr Farhadey says he fled Iran because of religious persecution

An Oxford church is paying the legal fees of a Christian convert who fled Iran hoping to find asylum in Britain.

Saied Farhadey is facing deportation unless he can overturn a Home Office decision to reject his claim.

Mr Farhadey says he suffered from persecution in the Islamic country after he converted to Christianity.

Reverend Fleur Houston's congregation at the Church of the Holy Family in Blackbird Leys are funding his fight, which went to appeal on Thursday.

'Sincerity and conviction'

They came forward with their cash support after Mr Farhadey was refused legal aid for his appeal

Reverend Houston told BBC News Online: "We were all extremely impressed with his sincerity and the strength of his Christian conviction.

"We felt we wanted to give him as much support as possible."

Mr Farhadey must now wait three weeks to hear what the result of the hearing is.