SWINDON'S former mayor Ray Fisher is backing the campaign to let a family of asylum seekers stay in the town.

Mr Fisher met Islan Eltuyev, who fled torture in Chechnya, on the open-top bus tour to celebrate Jamie Cox's gold medal win.

A petition urging the Home Office to reconsider its decision to deport the Eltuyevs has already got more than 500 names on it.

"It is great news that they have so many signatures on the petition," said Mr Fisher.

"How can some people get British citizenship when others who are as nice as pie can't get a look-in? There should be some process where local authorities can help in the decision-making part of the application."

Islan, 39, and his family fled their home country and came to Swindon in May 2003.

Since then he and his wife Zarina, 27, and their three children have become part of the community.

But their asylum application was rejected by the Home Office because they claim Islan didn't tell the authorities about everything that had happened to him.

Islan, who was twice amateur boxing champion of Russia, was one of the coaches who helped train Swindon's commonwealth gold medallist for the games in March. Jamie, who attributed his success to the Chechen refugee, is fighting in his corner.

Mr Fisher added: "The number of signatures that have been collected is impressive and I think it should definitely be taken into account when the decision about the family is made."

Since they have been in Swindon, the couple, who already had two children, Said, seven and four-year-old Aslan, have had a third child, Angelina, who is now nine months old.

And they are happy to have the support of the former mayor.

"I met Ray Fisher after Jamie won his medal and he was a nice man," said Islan.

"I'm very pleased that he has given us his support. The more people that help us the better.

"You can't say if it will make a difference but it is nice of him to speak out for us.

"A lot of people have been very kind to us here and we just want the chance to stay and work and join the community."

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said they were unable to comment on individual cases.

But in the past the Home Office has said that the Eltuyevs can be removed by force at any time.

Anyone who wants to sign the petition can do so at the Manor pub or Greenbridge MOT centre or by filling in the form below.

Labour MP for north Swindon Michael Wills has contacted the new immigration minister Liam Byrne who took over on Monday from Tony McNulty.

He said: "I just hope it works. It would be ridiculous to send them back. I don't give up and I need to speak to him."