A PRESTWICH family facing deportation to India will learn their fate later this week.

Lata Shah and her teenage daughter Devesha will attend a hearing on Friday (Feb 1)to hear if there is a chance that they can stay in this country.

The pair arrived in Britain in 2000 to visit Lata's sister, Mina Bhavsar, and her family who live in Egerton Street, Prestwich, for a holiday. Lata (39) soon became very attached to her severely disabled niece, Arati (23) and became her full-time carer.

Arati has cerebral palsy and extreme learning difficulties due to a hospital blunder at birth, for which the Bhavsars have been legally compensated, and she needs round-the-clock care and attention. As Lata took over the care of Arati from Mina, she and Devesha applied to the Home Office for permanent residency but were unsuccessful.

Their plight was highlighted in the Bury Times and a campaign, backed by MP Ivan Lewis, was launched resulting in more than 10,000 people pledging their support in a petition.

The hearing at the Appeal Court in New Bailey Street, Salford will not result in a win for the family, as legally they cannot be allowed to stay, but campaigners are pinning their hopes on a positive recommendation from the adjudicator.

Campaign secretary Tony Openshaw said: "The hearing will probably last around two to three hours as Lata and Devesha's case is put forward by the family's solicitor.

"There will be an independent adjudicator and an officer from the Home Office present. Although we cannot win the case on Friday we are optimistic that the adjudicator will recommend they can stay."

Mr Openshaw said that he hoped the recommendation would be made on the day but it is possible it could be delayed.

He added: "Whether the recommendation is made on the day or not we will be asking Ivan Lewis to speak to the Home Secretary on our behalf."

Mr Openshaw said: "In a way the family are looking forward to the hearing as it means an end to the waiting.

"We hope people will come and offer support on the day. In this particular case the family connection is important as Arati has grown close to her aunt but also the cultural link is a main issue as there are a lack of Asian carers in Bury."