A CAMPAIGN to save a Kurdish family living in York from deportation has stepped up a gear.

The renewed efforts to allow Makbule Yaman, 36, and her husband, Hasan, 41, to remain in the country come as they face a crucial interview next week.

They will be assessed at an immigration office in Leeds to determine whether they will be sent back to Turkey, along with their children, Ozgur, 16, and eight-year- old Elif. After that, they could be deported within a week.

The family, of Rosslyn Street, in Clifton, have been in the UK since 2001 and fear police persecution if they return.

They say they have not had proper legal representation.

Both Makbule and the children suffer from serious medical problems and are being treated at hospital.

Makbule, who goes to a weekly cultural group at Haxby Road Primary School to learn English and computer skills, said: "I am very stressed about going to Turkey.

"My head hurts a lot and I can't sleep.

"I have been very stressed and scared when I have gone to the Home Office interviews.

"It is not good in Turkey, but in York it is. People are very nice and have helped me a lot."

She also said her children are safe in York. "If my children are happy I am happy," she said.

Both her children suffer from restricted growth and Ozgur, who attends Applefields School, in Tang Hall, and also has problems with his hearing, is being treated at hospital. Elif goes to Clifton Green Primary School.

Makbule attends regular sessions at York Hospital's pain clinic for back problems caused by being beaten by Turkish police.

Her husband, Hasan, sought asylum in Britain early in 2001 after he was detained and beaten by Turkish police because he campaigned against the persecution of members of Turkey's Kurdish minority.

After her husband fled Turkey, Makbule was repeatedly visited by police and was once badly beaten. She came to Britain soon after.

Hasan's bid for political asylum was rejected and an appeal was turned down three years ago, with officials saying he was not a credible witness to the persecution he suffered.

Anti-deportation campaigners are now appealing for people to contact City of York MP Hugh Bayley ahead of the interview next week, asking for him to back their case.

Mary McCormack, chairwoman of Refugee Action York, said: "I hope they will be allowed to stay in Britain. I think they have an exceptionally strong case.

"Whether or not that translates into them being able to stay is another matter.

"They were both involved in Kurdish political groups, so it is very dangerous for them to return to Turkey."

She urged supporters to ask Mr Bayley to support the Yaman family's case, citing the Home Office reference number Y1027253.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the group should email yorkrefugeeaction@yahoo.co.uk