A CAMPAIGN to stop a teenager being deported back to the Ukraine has begun.

The Save Inna Haville Campaign has collected its first 300 signatures in its attempt to stop the Government removing the 19-year-old from her home in Sevenhampton, near Highworth.

Mark and Melanie Haville rescued Inna from a run-down orphanage in the former Soviet country three years ago, but have now been told she must return home.

But Andy Newman, chairman of the campaign group, said: "We have got to be both realistic and optimistic. Realistically the Government has its mind made up, but we will not give up fighting.

"If we can demonstrate there is a groundswell of local and national feeling then there is a good chance the campaign will win.

"But what is certain is that if people don't take the time to support Inna's cause then we definitely will not win. This is not a hopeless cause but it depends so much on the people here."

On Saturday supporters hung a huge banner across the town centre and the aim over the next few months is to collect several thousand names for the petition.

People are also being encouraged to log onto the campaign website www.innaappeal.co.uk and attend meetings.

Bishop of Swindon Michael Doe and North Swindon MP Michael Wills have both thrown their weight behind the campaign to keep Inna in the country.

Mr and Mrs Haville have not been given a date for Inna's deportation and fear the call could come at any time.

The next Save Inna Haville Campaign meeting is being held on Tuesday, January 6 at the Friends Meeting House in Eastcott Hill from 7.30pm. Call 01793 520903 for more information.

gsheldrick@newswilts.co.uk