Hope for coach who faces deportation

The former West Indies and Kent cricketer, Hartley Alleyne, an acclaimed coach at St Edmund's School in Canterbury, is to have his case reviewed by the Home Office. Alleyne still faces imminent deportation after being refused a work permit but now the Home Office could yet allow him to stay.

Alleyne, who completed an NVQ in sports coaching to satisfy immigration officials, is being backed in his bid to stay in the country by Canterbury's MP, Julian Brazier, who branded that decision "appalling" and "utter madness". Brazier confirmed he had received a letter from Home Office minister Liam Byrne announcing a review.

"I welcome the fact that they are reviewing the case again," said Brazier. "I will continue to press for a successful outcome for this most deserving man."

Alleyne, who has lived in England for 29 years, sayes he has been boosted by the latest development: "This news has brought a smile to my face," he told the BBC. "I only hope that the Home Office officials who will be reviewing my case can find it in their hearts to let me stay here and allow me to continue what I love doing and that is coaching kids."

His original application, in 2005, was turned down because he did not hold an NVQ Level 3 coaching certificate. He then obtained the qualification while working as a sports coach and resident boarding assistant at St Edmund's School in Canterbury. His application was, however, rejected.

He has an English wife and three children. "To me England is my home," he said in September, "and Barbados is a place that I return to every now and again for a holiday. I have given so much of myself to this country and have helped to teach kids cricket and help them make a good start in life."