Supporters took to the streets as part of a campaign to allow a family of Macedonian refugees to stay in the country.

An immigration appeal tribunal in London has already decided that Marjun and Lile Dimitrievski, and their sons, Sasha, 12 and Miki, eight, who live in Redcar, should return to their own country.

The family fled to Britain more than two years ago because of the war in the former Yugoslavia.

They have said that if they return, Mr Dimitrievski will be sent to prison because he is a conscientious objector, and therefore his wife and sons will not be safe.

The family has settled in Redcar and both boys go to school there. Sasha is a pupil at West Redcar School, while Miki attends Lakes Primary School.

They have captured the hearts of local people who have started a campaign in a bid to persuade the authorities to allow the family to stay.

A petition containing more than 900 signatures has been sent to Immigration Minister Lord Jeff Rooker, and the group, headed by the North-East Coalition for Asylum Rights, is hoping to arrange a meeting with the minister soon.

On Saturday, hundreds of supporters took to the streets of Redcar to show their solidarity and support for the campaign.

They were joined by Redcar MP Vera Baird, who offered her support, and Councillor Brenda Forster.