Akam Ahmed, 25, returned late Tuesday night to be with his friends as he awaits a decision on his future.

He said: "It feels so nice to be back. I consider myself fortunate that I'm safe and have been able to come back home. I am really thankful for all the help and support that people have given me.

"I've had a huge level of support from the Hastings community. People have stood by me all the way through this and it means a lot to me."

The refugee, who fled war-torn Iraq six-and-a-half years ago, won a last-minute reprieve by the Home Office following a successful bid for a judicial review by his London-based solicitors Lawrence and Lupin last month.

Mr Akmed, a Kurdish refugee, blinded in one eye because of a landmine, was taken off the deportation flight 20 minutes before departure.

Hastings MP Michael Foster and his case worker Andrea Samuelson managed to get documents approving the judicial review signed just in time by Phil Woolas, Minister of State for Borders and Immigration.

Mr Akmed, who used to live in Caves Road, St Leonards, said: "I've been granted temporary release so it's still not over yet. But I've made friends here in Hastings and I love this place, so I want to stay.

"The last four months have been a nightmare. I've been through a lot in detention. I've had bad experiences but I will try to put them behind me for now. All that time, I just wanted to see my friends again and be back home."

Georgina Warrick, a close friend of Mr Akmed, said: "It's really good news that Akam is back in Hastings as he is very vulnerable.

"This doesn't mean he can't be deported but while he awaits the decision he can spend his time with his friends in Hastings rather than in a detention centre.

"We still don't know when the date of his judicial review hearing will be. It may not be for another few months.

"Akam has been through a lot and been in detention centres since July."

Almost 700 people have joined a campaign group on social networking site Facebook which was set up by Ms Warrick.

In September a demonstration in support of Mr Akmed and other Iraqi refugees was held outside the Iraqi embassy in London.

More than 30 protested at the event organised by the Coalition to Stop Deportations to Iraq.

He has applied to be granted permanent residency in the UK but has failed and appealed several times.

The refugee was due to be deported on August 3 but was given a stay of execution, thanks to the intervention of Mr Foster.

What do you think? Leave youur comments below.