FORMER West Indian test cricketer Hartley Alleyn has dedicated himself to the game in the UK for nearly 30 years, both as a county player and now a coach of youngsters.

But his highly-valued skills and experience count for nothing with the Home Office Immigration Service – because he does not have an NVQ.

It has just refused the 50-year-old a work permit, despite him having a full-time job as resident boarding assistant and specialist cricket coach at St Edmund’s School in Canterbury.

The decision could even see Mr Alleyne being deported or having to return to Barbados, despite him being resident and working in the UK since 1978 and having two young boys.

The situation has been branded "crazy" by Canterbury MP Julian Brazier, who has now taken up his case after being alerted to the problem by St Edmund’s headmaster Jeremy Gladwin.

Mr Gladwin said: "There being no formal qualifications in cricket, it seems to me that Mr Alleyn’s experience as an international, county and club player, together with his extensive coaching knowledge, should easily be equivalent to the qualifications listed by the Home Office."

Mr Alleyn has played all over the country including for Worcestershire and Kent, where he was a squad member from 1987 to 1990.

He is considered a highly-valued member of staff at St Edmund's. He is also currently coaching the Kent County development squad and coaches club players indoors in the winter.

He said: "I just can't understand it. I have never taken a penny from the state and always worked. Nothing has changed except I don't have this NVQ."

Mr Brazier has written to Home Office minister Liam Byrne calling for an urgent review of the case. The chief executive of Kent County Cricket Club, Paul Millman, has written a letter of support.

The Home Office has agreed to pass the case to the Work Permits Reviews Team to undertake an independent review of the decision.