AN Asian family put on a plane to Pakistan, then transferred to a detention centre, has been allowed to return home to the North-East while their case is reviewed.

Raheela Sajid and her children, Muhammad, 14, and Shahtaj, 11, have the support of the people of South Bank, near Middlesbrough, who have opened a bank account for them, and Redcar MP, Vera Baird.

The family were put on a plane bound for Islamabad last month, but were removed before the aircraft took off.

Following the intervention of a solicitor, they were taken to the Yarlswood Detention Centre, in Bedfordshire, where they have spent three weeks.

Mrs Sajid fled serious domestic problems in Pakistan but her application for asylum in Britain was turned down.

She and her two children have returned to their home in Scarborough Street, South Bank, while their case is reviewed, following a successful bail application.

Ms Baird said: "They should never have been detained and should have been allowed to stay in South Bank while their case is reviewed."

Residents have opened a bank account after collecting £720 for the family and undertaken a money-raising sponsored walk.

Mrs Sajid said: "I've not been able to sleep alone in my room. My daughter is still very frightened too. But I feel so lucky to have so much support from the people in South Bank."