A FATHER who was banned from working and won an eight-year battle to stay in the UK has set up his own decorating business.

Darren Harrety's world came crashing down in 2010 after he faced deportation after he was told he could no longer work when the Home Office could not find proof of his arrival in the country.

The 36-year-old, from Nelson, had moved from the British colony of Punta Gorda in Belize, Central America, to England with his mother on a Belize passport when he was six months old.

His mother's passport had been lost since arriving in the UK.

In December the dad-of-six received a letter from the Home Office confirming he had the right to remain in the UK, after sending off a Windrush Scheme application in September.

Mr Harrety has launched 'Harrety's Decorating Service' and is available for bookings.

He said: "I'm extremely happy I can now start working and get on with my life.

"My wife told me she was so proud of me, it was such a good thing to hear."

Search 'Harrety's Decorating Service' on Facebook for more information.