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

Nebez Osman arrived in the country five years ago after fleeing his native Iraq and during his battle to remain, he learned to play the violin and was invited to join Darlington Orchestra.

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

Nebez, 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, Nebez hid his predicament from his colleagues.

However when conductor David Plews found out about the situation he told the 40 other members of the orchestra - all of whom have now signed a petition to support his fight to stay.

He said: "Nebez missed a rehearsal one week so I explained to people what was going on. A lot of them didn't even know he was an asylum seeker. But the level of support for him was overwhelming - they've really taken him to their hearts."

Nebez, who speaks fluent English and has been offered a place to study at two UK universities, said: "It is very hard for me.

"Of course 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."

David added: "He is a very nice guy and we're just happy to know him."