Family allowed deportation review

Supporters in Plymouth hope the family can return to the city

A woman and her family fighting deportation to Nigeria hope to return to Devon after being released from Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

Helen and her family, who have lived in Plymouth for more than three years, have won the right to a judicial review of their case.

They are currently staying in temporary accommodation in Cardiff, but hope to be allowed to return to Plymouth.

"It is wonderful to feel the fresh air again on my face," Helen told BBC News.

It is the waiting game again, but I need to stay hopeful Helen

"The children are a lot better and their spirits have been lifted, but they are very keen to come back home to their friends in Plymouth.

"My son is particularly anxious to get back to school for his GCSEs."

Helen, who does not want her full name to be used, said the Home Office had not told her when the judicial review will take place.

"It is the waiting game again, but I need to stay hopeful."

Helen and her children came to the UK in 2003 and moved to Plymouth a year later when her husband returned home.

The family's original claim for asylum - fearing domestic "abuse, cruel treatments and death threats" if they returned to Africa - was rejected and two subsequent appeals also failed.

'Strange city'

Friends who have campaigned for the family to be allowed to stay in the UK said they were thrilled the family had been released from Yarl's Wood, but disappointed they were sent to Cardiff.

Father Philpot from St Peter's Church in Plymouth said he was looking for accommodation in Plymouth and hoped the authorities would allow the family to return, pending the review.

"Of course it's absolutely wonderful they've been released," he said.

"But I've been told the judicial review could take up to three months and there's just a little bit of me that wonders why they weren't brought here, but sent to somewhere they know nobody.

"They have made their home here and they're greatly loved and admired, so it's odd they've been taken to a strange city."

Support for the family - Theresa, 19, Winston and Mac, both 16, Emmanuel, 14, Fred, 10, and Richard, six - has grown since students at Stoke Damerel Community College began their campaign.

Emmanuel suffers from sickle cell anaemia.

Helen has worked voluntarily for the Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support Council and as a researcher for the University of Lancashire.