A FORMER East Lancashire cricket professional has had the threat of deportation temporarily lifted.

Former West Indies cricketer Hartley Alleyne, who used to play for Colne and Haslingden, had been fighting to stay in the country after the Home Office twice refused him a work permit.

Now the Home Office says he can stay for three years after he presented a petition with more than 1,000 names.

He can then apply for another three-year extension, by which time he should qualify for citizenship.

Mr Alleyne, 50, has lived in the UK for the last 29 years and played as a professional at Haslingden from 1983 to 1986 and at Colne from 1990 to 1991.

He has been working at schools coaching cricket but was told in May he might be deported because he is not qualified as a coach.

He had been working at St Edmund's school, Canterbury, for two years but the Home Office refused him a work permit because he does not have an NVQ Level 3.

Haslingden Cricket Club secretary Chris Aspin, said: "We are really pleased for him.

"He is a wholehearted man and it would a real shame for him to have been sent back.

"He has not been a burden on the country and has put a lot back into society over the years.

"He has earned his keep and it seems stupid that he should ever face deportation."

Colne Cricket Club chairman Trevor Lonsdale, said: "It is great news.

"The club has been backing his campaign and we are delighted for him.

"He was a great player who always gave 100 per cent and a lovely man."