Family and supporters delighted as X Factor's Gamu wins her visa battle

FORMER X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu has won her battle to remain in the UK.

The 19-year-old singer, who lives in Clackmannanshire, was ordered to leave the country last year after her mother's visa renewal was turned down.

But the family lawyer Frances Farrell yesterday confirmed the appeal against the decision, which was heard at the Immigration Court in Glasgow earlier this year, had been successful.

Gamu, her brothers Milton, 11, Marty, nine, and their mother Nokuthula Ngazana, 38, have lived in Tillicoultry for eight years since arriving in Scotland from Zimbabwe.

Last October local residents organised petitions and took to the streets waving placards in protest against the Immigration Court's decision.

The Home Office has five days to respond to the ruling. If they accept it, the family can remain in the UK.

Mrs Farrell said: "I have spoken to Nokuthula on the phone and I can tell you she's delighted.

"My clients are all delighted with the decision. It's the first great news they've had for months.

"There is one final hurdle still to leap, but it's obviously very good news."

The singer was allowed to remain in the country as a dependant while her mother studied at university.

Gordon Banks MP, in whose constituency the family live, said: "This is not only a victory for the family, but also members of the local community and the family's legal team who fought so passionately and diligently for Gamu, her mother and brothers to remain in the UK."