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Pupils' bid to save pal from African war zone

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

But two years ago, Anna and Daniel separated and began divorce proceedings. Anna’s visa ran out last year.

She has since been warned by the Home Office she has to leave the country by November 25 . . . or she will be arrested and forcibly removed.

Anna and Adrian met Newcastle East MP Nick Brown, who has asked the UK Border Agency to postpone deportation until he has raised the case with the Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

A spokesman for Mr Brown said: “We are doing everything we can to support the case.”

Margaret Lockhart, a welfare assistant at Adrian’s school, said: “The children have collected a petition with more than 4000 names and we have got another 1000 from Sunderland.

“They just can’t understand why a boy who lives in Byker and is their friend from school will have to leave the country.”

Marley Alexandre, seven, said: “Adrian is our friend and we want him to stay,” and Sophie Munro, 11, said: “We don’t think he should go to Africa because he doesn’t understand what they say.”

A UK Border Agency spokesman confirmed Anna’s application to stay in Britain had been turned down.

He added: “This decision has subsequently been upheld through the appeals process and we now expect her to leave the country voluntarily.”

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