A popular Maidstone barman who was deported to the Philippines four months ago is finally able to look for work in the country.

Fredel Buenavista, known as Fred to his friends, reluctantly left Britain after the Home Office detained him in September for having an out-of-date visa.

The 32-year-old, who arrived in Kent aged 20 and lived in Leybourne with his family, is not able to apply to return for another eight months.

He has so far been relying on handouts due to not having the necessary papers to seek employment in his country of birth.

“I’m embarrassed to call myself British” - Dustin Burton, friend

Mr Buenavista, who was born in the Philippines but left aged four and has few relatives in the Southeast Asian country, is currently living in an apartment in a small village.

The former UCA student is well known around Maidstone having worked at the Royal Albion near Fremlin Walk for several years.

Friend and former colleague Karan Le Quelenec said: “I speak to Fred regularly and he has really struggled since arriving in the Philippines.

“We have come to terms with the fact he is there and have told him to try and be positive but it is easier said than done.”

An online petition set up to stop the deportation attracted more than 3,000 signatures in three days.

Dustin Burton, a long-term friend of Mr Buenavista who organised the campaign, said at the time of his deportation: “I’m disgusted with the way he and his family have been treated.

“I want answers as to why the government don’t see this as an exceptional family circumstance. I’m embarrassed to call myself British.”