ONLY the Immigration Minister can now save cricket coach Hartley Alleyne from being deported, Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has said.

It follows the rejection of a final appeal for a work permit by the former West Indian and Kent player who until recently coached at St Edmund’s School.

Despite Mr Alleyne’s vast coaching experience, he had no formal qualifications. So he even studied for and gained an NVQ coaching certificate through the Professional Cricketers Association to try and satisfy the Home Office.

But an Immigration appeals committee has still refused his application in a decision described as "astonishing" by Mr Brazier.

The school, which has stood by him during the process, has now had to give his job, which included a boarders’ supervisory role, to someone else, which means the 50-year-old has also lost his accommodation.

Mr Alleyne, who has two children in this country and is staying with friends, is said to be devastated by the decision which could see him sent to Barbados in 28 days.

Now an 11th hour bid to save him from deportation has been launched by Mr Brazier.

* Full story in this week's Kentish Gazette.