A FOUR-year red tape battle is finally over for sweethearts Gerard Whittaker his Russian fiance Tanya Kadremetova as they prepare to spend their first Christmas together.

They met in a night club while Gerard, 42, was holidaying in St Petersburg and after his fortnight's break they kept in touch by letter.

Tanya, who has an 11-year-old daughter Ludmila, began applying for a visa to come to England to be with Gerard in 1994, but, as her passport shows, three times she was refused.

But this year, thanks says Gerard to a change of Government, she was granted a visa and on November 9 arrived at Manchester Airport.

Now living at Thurston Street, Burnley, Tanya said: "I am very happy to be here. I like this place."

They both admitted there were times they never thought they would only ever be together for short holidays, but all that seems miles away now Tanya has started an English course at Burnley College and Ludmila is settling in at Burnley Wood Primary School. Tanya, 31, said: "If I had been able to come to England in 1994 then Ludmila would have been younger and it would have given her more time to learn English before going to the high school."

Christmas is not a big event in Russia, but Gerard is planning to show his new family how it is celebrated in England by cooking the traditional turkey and trimmings.

They are planing to marry in the New Year and are currently visiting high schools to decide where Ludmila should go next September.

Tanya said: "Ludmila enjoys school very much because everyone is so friendly where as the schools in Russia are very strict."

Gerard said: "We do get on very well and so long as we keep the language simple we can understand each other. She is picking English up very easily but sometimes struggles with the Lancashire accent and phrases.

"When I went to St Petersburg I never though I would meet anyone and who could expect to meet someone like Tanya, it was a very pleasant surprise and I am delighted we are finally together."

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