Supporters of an Afghan family seeking asylum in the West Midlands have been protesting over plans to deport them.

Farid and Feriba Ahmadi and their two young children fled the Taleban two years ago.

They stayed in a camp in Germany before coming to Lye in Stourbridge.

However, the High Court has ruled they must return to Germany and they have been told they must go to Dover on Friday.

Learning English

On Tuesday, about 40 people gathered in Lye to demonstrate against the couple's deportation.

Soraya Walton, a friend of the family and a campaigner, said: "The children have settled in this community and are doing well at school.

Soraya Walton is helping Farid and Feriba Ahmadi

"They are learning English and doing everything Mr Blunkett wants the refugees to do. They are good people."

Another supporter said: "We can afford to look after these people.

"They are contributing to the economy and it is sick that they are getting sent back."

The couple left Afghanistan two years ago with their children Seear, aged four, and Hadia, six, after Farid, 33, was tortured by the Taleban.

They spent 10 months at a detention camp in Germany before being smuggled into Dover in the back of a lorry.

The family, whose supporters include Dudley councillors Steven Cox and Gaye Partridge, settled in Lye and had hoped to stay in the area

Feriba, 24, is studying English with Farid at Halesowen College.

Their supporters plan to travel to Dover with them on Friday to hold another demonstration at the port.