A RUSSIAN family, who have been living here for four years under the threat deportation, have now been told they can stay.

The Brodski family had been battling to win political asylum and to be allowed to stay in Scarborough because the father, Stanislav, feared for his life after witnessing the massacre of a group of students in Moscow and was threatened with his life.

The family's original application to the Home Office was rejected but now Mr Brodski and his family, who live in Scarborough, have been told by the Home Office: "You, your wife and children, have all been granted exceptional leave to remain."

The family's case is due for review in four years; they have been told they will be able to apply to stay in Britain indefinitely.

Mr Brodski was an inventor in Moscow and had his research published in scientific journals. His 23-year-old daughter, Anne, is now set to study at a London medical school and hopes to become a doctor.

Mrs Ludmilla Brodski worked as a pharmacist before the family fled Russia.

Their plight was taken up by staff and students of Scarborough Sixth Form College where Anne was a student after Ruth Dale, the librarian, organised a collection which raised more than £2,000 in legal fees for the family to fight their case.

"This is just the kind of family Britain needs," said Ms Dale.

The family fled Russia on tourism visas in 1997 after suffering bullying by local militia and criminals and attempts on their lives, said Mr Brodski.

"We are very, very happy, and extremely grateful to everyone who has helped in bringing about this successful conclusion for us" he said.

The family had suffered arson attacks on their home and an attempt to push Mr Brodski, his wife and son, Yevgeny, then 10 years old, under an underground train in Moscow.

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, November 29, 2001