A STUDENT facing being deported to Afghanistan is celebrating after being granted asylum.

Husien Panahi, 19, has made his life in Medway, working at a Rochester bar and attending local schools.

But his life was turned upside down the day after taking his A level art exam when immigration officials at the Home Office ruled he had to leave.

His class mates and teachers immediately launched a campaign, supported by the Medway Messenger.

They joined him in London last month to persuade an immigration tribunal the decision was wrong.

The verdict arrived in a letter on Saturday with the panel backing Husien.

The Home Office has five days to appeal against the decision.

* SEE MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER FOR A SPECIAL REPORT.