The West Indian school cricket coach threatened with deportation has got his old job back after the Home Office bowed to public pressure to let him stay.

Former Kent player Hartley Alleyne has returned to a coaching role at St Edmund’s School in Canterbury, which had been forced to withdraw his post last year when he was refused a work permit.

We highlighted Mr Alleyne’s case which was taken to the Immigration Minister by Canterbury MP, Julian Brazier.

He argued that the cricketer had lived in Britain for nearly 30 years and his coaching skills were much in demand at the school.

Now, nearly a year after his future was plunged into doubt, Mr Alleyne says he is relieved and pleased to be back working with the young cricketers.

Headmaster Jeremy Gladwin said: “He has a similar role, coaching in both cricket and PE and also as a residential tutor.

"The children missed him and we are delighted to have him back.”

The school has further strengthened its cricket coaching team with the employment of former Kent captain and opening batsman, David Fulton who will provide expert tuition to the 25 pupils in the senior squad.

Mr Gladwin said: “Having a cricketer of David’s stature coaching our senior squad is fantastic for the school as our pupils can only benefit from his experience and enthusiasm.”

Mr Fulton, who scored 12,000 first class runs before retiring from the game in 2006, said: “I am a great believer in professional training regimes being replicated at every level within cricket. That is the best way to help these youngsters make the most of their abilities and realise their cricketing aspirations.”