A FAMILY have spoken of their relief after their elderly grandmother was given the go-ahead to stay in the UK - bringing a nail-biting wait to an end.

Wirginia Zakiewicz, 81, from Poland, had lived legally in Colchester with her family for more than a decade.

But they feared she would have to return to Poland or face deportation after the Home Office rejected her application to remain in the country.

Son-in-law Jacek Puchrowics, 57, lives with wife Marzenna and Wirginia in Hakewill Way.

He had been battling to keep Wirginia in the UK.

Concerned - an image of Jacek and Marzenna PuchrowiczConcerned - an image of Jacek and Marzenna Puchrowicz (Image: Jacek Puchrowicz) Recycling centre worker Mr Puchrowicz said she had lived legally in the UK for 11 years, has a national insurance number, and has been a resident for the last five years.

In March, an application was made to extend the status, but it was rejected.

Mr Puchrowicz said: “She has lived with us a long time. When the UK left the EU, we had to apply for a status of residence.

“We did - we got it for the family.”

The family also believe Wirginia is suffering from dementia, and would not be able to cope on her own.

Facing deportation - Wirginia ZakiewiczFacing deportation - Wirginia Zakiewicz (Image: Jacek Puchrowicz) Mr Puchrowicz said: “We can’t look after her in Poland. If the Government send her to Poland, she will die.

“It is a very difficult situation, I don’t know what to do.

“We feel sad, we feel like we can’t get help from anyone.

“We live here, we pay tax, and we are good workers. We have grandchildren, we are part of the community. I just don’t understand.

“I want her to stay, she has a right to, she has been a resident for a long time.

“Family is very important.”

Family - another image of Wirginia ZakiewiczFamily - another image of Wirginia Zakiewicz (Image: Jacek Puchrowicz) The latest application for Wirginia to remain in the UK was granted yesterday - just hours after the Gazette contacted the Home Office about her plight.

Wirginia and her family were overjoyed by the decision.

Mr Puchrowicz said: “We have been struggling for a long time, but we are so happy now.

“My wife jumped up in the air when she read the email. We are so thankful to the Gazette for helping.

“We’ve been under pressure all the time, but now it has gone.

“I am in tears. it is very emotional.

“My mother-in-law understands and she is very happy. We will celebrate”

The Home Office declined to comment.