School pals in bid to stop classmate being forced to return to Congo

A boy who faces being forced out of Britain for life in one of Africa's most dangerous nations may be saved by his school pals.

Six-year-old Adrian Atkinson's friends have raised a petition with more than 5,000 signatures to stop him having to leave for the Congo. And he has told his pals at Welbeck Primary School: "Thank you. You are my best friends forever."

Adrian, who was born in Sunderland and has never been out of the UK, lives in Byker, Newcastle, with mum Anna.

She was born in Congo and has split with Adrian's British father, Daniel.

Anna's visa has run out and she has been ordered to leave.

Mp Nick Brown is putting her case to the Home Secretary and deportation is on hold.