A STUDENT who was awarded top A-level grades fears for her family's safety if they are deported to Pakistan.

Holy Cross student Rabia Aftab, who gained five A grades and a grade B last week, was hoping to find a medical school place before the academic year begins.

Instead, the 18-year-old fears she could be forced to leave the country with her mother and sisters and returned to Pakistan, where they face threats to their lives.

The Bury family were refused asylum in November last year when Home Office officials ruled them ineligible for a Government amnesty.

Rabia came to Britain with her mother and siblings four years ago after death threats were made to the family.

Rabia said: "I try not to remember what it was like in Pakistan. My mum and dad were so worried all the time. I feel safe and peaceful when I am here and I've got lots of friends."

A place at university would mean that Rabia could study in this country on a student visa. But despite her grades, she has been unable get on to a medical course.

The Aftabs were touched by tragedy when six-year-old son Shoaib was killed in a road accident in Killon Street, Parkhills, in early 2001.

They narrowly missed out on an amnesty for applicants who applied for asylum before October, 2000, having made their application in the November, two months after arriving.

However, all four daughters have been top achievers at school, with Rabia's sister, Zahrah, who was described as a "star pupil" by teachers at Derby High.

Teachers of the younger girls describe Alina as "a hard working girl from an extremely supportive and able family", and Amna as an "outstanding pupil".

Rabia's mother, Tabassum, whose husband has remained in Pakistan, said: "I have lost my son here but now I do not want to lose my daughters by putting their lives in danger in Pakistan.

"If I go back I won't be able to visit his grave. I can't think about it."

The family's case is being examined by the Bury North MP David Chaytor, who was yesterday unavailable for comment.

The Home Office said that it was unable to comment on individual cases.

However, it confirmed that although the family arrived before the amnesty deadline, the lateness of their original application meant they were not eligible.