AN ASYLUM seeker from Nelson, who is facing deportation, is confident his family have not spent their last Christmas in East Lancashire.

Nigel Karim, 53, said he was hopeful his family's future would be sorted out next year and that they would be allowed to stay in Pendle.

He was speaking after the Christian Karims celebrated a family Christmas at their home in Barkerhouse Road.

Nigel, his wife Pearl, 44, and their two children Crystal, 14 and Calvin, 12, fled to the UK five years ago and fear they will be killed because of their Christianity if they return to Pakistan.

The family have twice failed in attempts to stay in the UK and their case is going through a judicial review.

Nigel said: "I am pretty sure this will not be our last Christmas in Nelson.

"I am a great believer and I definitely hope something will come up in the New Year."

The family's case has won huge support from people in Nelson and more than 3,000 people have signed a petition demanding the Karims are not kicked out of the country.

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice has taken up their fight and in the House of Commons last month claimed a £6,000 bounty was being offered in Pakistan for the death of Nigel.

Supporters are organising a special day at the family's place of worship at Christ Church, Carr Road, on January 6 to raise funds for the Karims and towards promoting their fight.

Nigel said Crystal and Calvin, pupils at Fisher More School, Colne, had been very excited about Christmasm despite the uncertainty about their future.

He added: "It is a happy time of year but you still have doubts in the back of your mind.

"We are trying to make the most of it this year.

"People have been very good to us and we are trying to enjoy the season with friends."