A FAMILY who fled the terrors of Kosovo have been told they can stay in their North-East home.

After months of uncertainty, and with the constant threat of being sent back to Kosovo, the Vulaj family has finally received the news they had been waiting for.

Beqir Vulaj and his family moved to Redcar, in east Cleveland, five years ago after fleeing their terror-ridden homeland.

The family's devastation included their son being murdered, Beqir's parents being killed and their home set on fire.

Last year, the community rallied round to support them after Mr Vulaj was refused asylum.

Enlisting the support of Redcar MP Vera Baird, the politician and barrister this week received the news the family could stay.

Mr Vulaj, his wife Lumnie and daughters, Mirela, 14, and Fatmira, nine and, Urim, four, are celebrating the news.

Mr Vulaj said: "Everyone has shown us so much help and support, our neighbours, our children's teachers, everyone. The ordeal is finally over. This is now my home."

Ms Baird said: "I am delighted by this marvellous news that so many of us in Redcar have been working towards for so long.

"I have lobbied Home Office Minister Tony McNulty non-stop on this and so he has paid this case a great deal of attention. Now he has decided that they can stay because of the 'compassionate and compelling circumstances'.

"If they had been sent back to Kosovo they would have been in fear for their lives.

"Many people in Redcar have come to know the Vulaj family well and I am sure they will be as pleased as I am that this wonderful family will be staying here. They will now be able to play a full role in the life of the community and contribute to British society."