AFGHAN student Amin Buratee could be detained again at any time - despite being told only weeks ago he could finish his sixth form studies.

That Home Office decision came 48 hours before Amin was due to be sent home but the Canterbury High School pupil must now lodge a fresh appeal before Christmas.

On Tuesday teacher Pauline Marks accompanied Amin to a meeting with a legal advisor in London responsible for putting together the case to keep him in the country.

She said: "We are in the process of preparing a completely new case to give Amin indefinite leave to remain here. Part of the appeal will include evidence on his family, if they are still alive.

"We would like to appeal to anyone travelling to Afghanistan shortly who may be able to pass on our questions."

At the moment Amin, who lives in Whitstable, has to report to Folkestone police station every third Saturday but could be detained there and then at any time.

"The official date for a review of his case is May 17 next year," said Mrs Marks. "The legal advisor we saw is an Afghan woman who told us the education path is the best chance of success.

"What we are asking for is one more year in the sixth form for Amin and then a place at a college, hopefully Canterbury College. Amin's temporary leave to remain means he cannot work and has no access to benefit support at the moment

"The new legal support is much better and there is much to do in a short time but we are hopeful."

Amin's fellow Afghan student and housemate Essa Jarmi, 17, has now lodged his appeal for an extension with the Home Office which should make a decision within six months. His current visa runs out on January 1.

Essa said: "I feel confident but a little panicky as well. I do want to stay here in the UK and make it my home."

Amin, Essa and a third Whitstable housemate Sher Kadami, did receive good news this week.

Housing service Finding Your Feet are in the process of securing accommodation in Sturry after the landlord told them their Harbour Street home is being sold. They expect to move in by the end of the month.

Essa said: "It is great that we can stay together and be closer to the school."

On Sunday, the two Afghans joined three school friends Jade Beaney, Katie Price and Leanne Jones to speak at a public meeting fighting detention and deportation in Dover, organised by the Kent Campaign to Defend Asylum Seekers.

All three girls were instrumental in driving the school's efforts to win Amin his extension last month.