AFGHAN student Amin Buratee says he feels reborn after being allowed to finish his secondary education in this country.

But the 18-year-old, who had been threatented with deportation back to Afghanistan where all his immediate family have been killed, faces another fight once his studies are over next summer.

Amin, a pupil at Canterbury High School, was speaking just days after he was told his supporters of the dramatic Home Office U-turn to allow him to stay.

The reprieve, from minister Des Browne, came just 48 hours before he was due to fly back to the Afghan capital Kabul.

Fellow pupils at his school had campaigned for his release after he was snatched in a dawn raid from his home in Whitstable by immigration officials.

Amin said: "What has happened over the past week and a half is hard to believe. It's like a new life for me and a victory for people power.

"Officers at the removal centre gave me a train ticket to Whitstable but my friends Sher and Jade met me at Dover station. It was very emotional and they gave me big hugs.

"I am just looking forward to continuing my studies now and playing some football again.

"It was a real surprise to me that my supporters achieved this result. I believe these people are my true friends.

"My mentor Adam Weston told me it was unbelievable I was still here. I am his first pupil and I think he thought he had failed me. He is very happy now."

He added: "On December 6 I will meet with a new solicitor in London and hopefully they can achieve the extension to keep me here for longer. I want to stay here, to work in computing and make the UK my home. My affection and respect for this country is still what it was before."

Amin said his energies were also focussed on helping fellow Canterbury High pupil and Afghani Essa Jarmi in his fight to stay longer in the UK. His visa runs out in five weeks' time.

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