AS the Kosovars prepare to move into their new homes in the area, one family will be packing on Sunday ready to return to their beloved homeland.

On Monday, Mrs Miradija Zogjani and three of her five children will fly from Leeds/Bradford airport to Macedonia before heading on to the Kosovo capital of Prishtina. The Zogjanis live just outside the city in the village of Harilac.

Miradija will be reunited with her husband Melazim who has remained in the Balkan killing fields throughout the Serbian racial cleansing programme.

Daughters Ardita (16) and Mirdita (13), and son Argon (13) will be on the same return flight while 23-year-old daughter Arlinda will stay with her brother in Colchester until after a cataract operation.

Surrounded by her new friends and fellow Kosovars at Bury's Geoffrey Kershaw Centre, Miradija (43) said: "I have not seen my husband since March. When the Serbs began killing indiscriminately, it was decided that I would take our children out of Kosovo to safety.

"I am now looking forward to returning to my home and looking after my husband and children. I am aware of the dangers we will face."

Of her stay in Bury, Miradija added: "Bury has made us all very welcome and my family has been safe. I will miss everyone here."

Miradija is pictured with her 16-year-old daughter Ardita ready to fly home.

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