A CATHOLIC family who were deported to Pakistan after failing to win asylum will be having a low-key Christmas this year.

Nigel Karim, 53, his wife Pearl, 44, and children Calvin, 13, and Crystal, 14, were sent back to their home country in June despite a massive campaign by the local community to allow them to stay in Nelson.

The family, who always maintained their lives would be in danger if they returned to Pakistan because of their Catholic faith, will be spending Christmas Day at a friend's house in Karachi.

But there won't be any presents or decorations because they cannot afford them, according to supporter Councillor Ann Kerrigan.

Coun Kerrigan, who regularly speaks to the family, said that Pearl had a job as a teacher at the children's school but Nigel is not working.

She said: "It's quite hard for them.

"They have not decorated the house because it is expensive and they can't afford it. It's a choice between feeding and clothing them or decorations.

"They will spend Christmas Day at their friends home, where they first lived when they got there.

"It is a very sad time for them because they can't be with their family. Pearl is very down in the dumps because this is a time when families get together and although it is Christmas it won't be much of a celebration for them.

"The children have broken up for Eid but it has been very hard for them and they will be doing school work through the holidays."

Supporters, who have continued to provide backing for the family, have kept in touch with the family via the internet using MSN messenger and through telephone calls.

Mrs Karim's cousin was murdered shortly before the family left for the UK five years ago, and it is thought the killers were after her husband because of his religious beliefs.

Earlier this year, Mr Karim said there was a poster in his home country offering a £6,000 reward for his death.

When the family were initially deported in June they went into hiding but are now trying to live as normal a life as possible in an apartment in Karachi.