MEMBERS of an orchestra have rallied to support an asylum seeker fighting to stay in the UK.

Nebez Osman arrived in the UK five years ago after fleeing his native Iraq. During his battle to stay, he learned to play the violin and became a member of Darlington Orchestra.

The 29-year-old was initially granted refugee status - which gives people the right to live and work in the UK - but was stripped of this after the Home Office appealed against the decision.

Mr Osman, an Iraqi-Kurd, now faces deportation back to his homeland, which he said would put his life in danger following a feud with another family.

A member of the orchestra since October last year, Mr Osman hid his predicament from colleagues.

However, when conductor David Plews found out about the situation, he asked the 40 other members of the orchestra, who have now signed a petition, to support his fight to stay.

Mr Plews said: "The level of support for him was overwhelming."

Nebez, who speaks fluent English and has been offered a place to study at two UK universities, said: "If I could go back I would. But it is not possible now."

He said the orchestra had helped him find some release from the stress of his case, which has led to him suffering from depression.

He said: "All the people there have been very kind to me. And when I play the violin I can forget my situation for a short time.