WORSHIPPERS at a Southampton Church of England parish have raised £1,000 to cover the rent bill of an Iranian family seeking asylum.

Church leaders organised the collection after a Sunday service to help blind husband Khalil, 62, and wife Lisa Khameneh, 49, and their 18-year-old daughter Ariana.

The anonymous donors' actions come after the Khameneh family of Briarswood, Shirley, were given a £650 monthly rental bill after the Home Office cut off their weekly £94 allowance.

Rev Ian Johnson, team rector of Southampton City Centre Parish, who has helped to support the family during their plight said a collection among his own parishioners would help to cover the cost of a health report to be submitted with their final appeal.

The family is now waiting to hear the outcome of their latest application to stay in the country on the grounds of ill health and compassion.

After coming to England on six-month visas in 2003 the family fear they will be tortured on their return because of their Christian beliefs.