'Very happy and relieved

Nelson wins battle to stay in UK after 47yrs following U-turn at the Home Office

- HOLLIE BONE

A MAN told he was not British after living here for 47 years has been allowed to stay after a Home Office U-turn.

Retired newsagent Nelson Shardey, who moved to the UK as student in 1977, has spoken of his happiness and relief at the decision.

He has been told he can stay indefinitely after the government recognised his case was "exceptional".

Nelson, 74, said: "I am feeling great.

All along I was battling every day inside. I do not like to make [my family] worry but it did affect me.

"A very big weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel I can go out and go about like I used to. ERAL S In 2019, Nelson, a father of-three, applied for a passport to return to Ghana following the death of his mother but was told he was "not British" and had no right to live here.