“IT IS such a relief, I have my life back.”

These are the words of Frank Mbutu following two months of deportation threats and 25 nights spent in detainment after Home Office staff challenged his residency application.

After living in the town for almost 17 years the Tanzanian-born railways worker was told last year he faced being sent back to the country where he has only one surviving relative.

However, following a Chronicle backed campaign to allow Frank to remain in the UK, government officials have retracted their case against him.

The 41-year-old said he was "over the moon" and could not wait to get back to work serving customers in his job with CrossCountry Trains.

He said: "I am so relieved - to be able to go back to work and walk around free not having to worry about being detained again.

"They have said they now acknowledge that I have been here legally and pretty much admitted they made a mistake."

Much of Frank's case centred on an application for residence back in 2000 which Home Office staff say was never received.

The paperwork was submitted through a solicitor who dropped his case claiming it was "too complicated" leaving him with no support.

As part of the on-going process he was required to sign in at an immigration office in London where he was detained on October 12, spending 25 nights in centres in Dover as well as the capital.

Upon temporary release in November he made a final plea for help and was pleasantly shocked to see thousands pledge their support for him in an online petition set up by his friends.

Frank said: "The support I have had in these past months is unreal. Rob Wilson played a huge part and he did a great job.

"From the beginning all my friends in Reading and from work have been there but some of those signing the petition do not even know me - they just heard my story and the testimony from my friends and saw the injustice."

The ordeal came to an end when a letter dated January 11 from the Home Office said the historic application did exist and that he would be allowed to stay in his new home nation.

Frank added: "They put me in detention, they forced me to lose my job and now they say actually it is ok?

"I think they need to know that at the end of the day they are playing with someone's life."

The Home Office have been approached for comment.

Reading East MP Rob Wilson said: "It was great to be able to speak with Frank last week and to update him on the decision that has been reached by the Home Office.

"I'm sure last week's outcome will be of great relief, both to Frank and for all his friends who have supported him throughout this process.

"In terms of the case itself, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in public on the specific details; indeed, this is a position I maintain with all of my constituents and the personal matters with which they may seek assistance.

"I’m just delighted for Frank that he has received the news he desired and that he is now able to get on with his life."