A WAR veteran facing deportation from the UK has been told he will be allowed to stay in the country.

New Zealander Noel Bevan, of Chester Mews, Sunderland, faced weeks of uncertainty after being told to prove he was allowed to live in the UK - which has been his home for 60 years.

Mr Beven, who won seven medals for his courage during the Second World War, had been told he was not allowed in the country when returning from a holiday abroad to see his daughter.

He said he had never held a British visa but was allowed to stay in the UK because New Zealand was part of the Commonwealth.

Mr Bevan settled in the North-East, married local girl Marjorie Dumble in 1944, raised three children and worked all his life until he retired 19 years ago.

A letter from John Evans of the Home Office's managed migration department has apologised for the upset.

In the letter, Mr Evans said: "I would like to apologise on behalf of the Immigration and Directorate for any distress you have experienced and by assuring you that you are free to stay in the UK without making any immigration application or paying any money."

"If you are thinking of travelling abroad again I would suggest you carry a copy of this letter with you on your return. This should be enough to satisfy you qualify to be admitted as a returning resident."