HOME at Last

Jubilant Sisawo Jobarteh arrived back in Britain today vowing to " forget the nightmare of the last eight months".

The Gambian-born • orphan was met by a barrage of cameras and microphones as he arrived at Parkeston Quay this morning

Sisawo, who is a ward of Witham businessman Simon Wezel, was refused re-entry to the country last year after visiting Sweden, when officials claimed he was. 21 rather than 15 and that his passport had been altered.

He was forced to stay with friends in Holland until the Home Office decided to allow him back into Britain.

Today Sisawo said: " It feels fantastic to be back. I have been looking forward to this day for such a long time. It is just amazing."

Sisawo, who described the last eight months as " hell" added: " I never thought this moment would ever come. I just hope things can go back to normal now — I am dying to see all my friends again, and I can't believe it is finally happening."

Sisawo, now 16, was allowed back into Britain after the Home

Office agreed his passport was correct — but only on the condition he does not attend a state school.

He will now be switched from Thurstable School to the Gosfield School.

EDUCATION

" I have had so much support from everybody, and now I just want to concentrate on my education and put the nightmare of the past eight months behind me," he said.

Sisawo plans to become a doctor after he has finished his education, and hopes to return to the Gambia to work as a general practitioner.

Sisawo's guardian, Simon Wezel, of Grange Road, Tiptree, said he was "absolutely delighted" at the Home Office's decision, but added: " I. still feel very bitter towards the authorities. They were only doing their job, but how they could mistake a 15-year-old for a 21-year-old is beyond me."

Mr Wezel thanked the media for highlighting the case, and also praised the efforts of South Colchester and Maldon MP John Whittingdale.

Report: IAN CARTER Picture: TERRY WEEDEN