Luan Smakaj: Saw brother shot dead

The family came to the UK in 1999 after fleeing persecution in Kosovo.

Mr Smakaj, 39, used to own a smallholding near the province's border with Serbia.

But when Serbians arrived in the region they raided his house and forced Mr Smakaj and his family to watch as they shot dead his brother.

They managed to escape on a tractor and lived in the mountains for three months before heading for the UK.

Deportation fear

Since moving to a two-bedroomed terraced house in Cleethorpes, Mrs Smakaj, 39, has found work as a cleaner and the two boys eight-year-old Urim and 10-year-old Mersad have attended a local school.

Mr Smakaj said: "All we want to do is stay in Britain.

Canon John Ellis: supports the Smakaj family

"Everyone here has been very helpful and supportive and we are very grateful."

However they lost their appeal against deportation on 29 June and since then have lived in fear of being evicted by immigration officials.

Canon John Ellis is backing their campaign to stay.

He said: "Despite everything they have been through the reason they are being told they must leave is that their experiences were not traumatic enough.

'Grounds to stay'

"The church became involved with them when we helped to get together some furniture and items for their house.

"We believe there are grounds for them to stay and we are doing everything we can to make sure they can continue their life here."

At present the family, who are Muslims, are bedding down in the C of E church, which also includes a community centre and a youth club.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said she was unable to discuss individual cases.