THE Kachepa family were facing an uncertain future in Malawi today following an emotional farewell in Weymouth.

Campaigners are now setting up a support network with churches in Africa to help the family settle into what could be a hostile environment.

At a candle-lit vigil held at St Augustine's Church last night supporters prayed for the family and said that communications would be maintained with them via the Internet. Before she left for Heathrow Airport yesterday, Verah Kachepa spoke of her anguish as she told how her children would be split up on their arrival in Malawi and go to live with relatives.

Later, as she boarded the aircraft, Mrs Kachepa said: "The kids have really been in a bad way. It's so stressful to uproot all your life like this."

Mrs Kachepa said all her supporters were 'wonderful people' and added: "I have never met people so kind in my life."

It is argued the family will be in danger if they return as Mrs Kachepa's former husband has struck up a relationship with a 'powerful and influential' woman who is the niece of a former president of the country.

Mrs Kachepa, 45, and her children Natasha, 21, Alex, 17, Anthony, 16, and Upile, 11, were taken to the airport by immigration officials and put on a plane destined for a land they have not set foot in for almost five years.

The deportation went ahead after immigration minister Tony McNulty refused their application for discretionary leave to remain in the UK.

There was hardly a dry eye among the 200-strong crowd which gathered outside the Kachepas' Greenhill flat for the final farewell.

Apart from sadness however there was also anger at the way campaigners claim the Government has ignored new legal representations.

Lead campaigner Ralph Johnson said he was disappointed that South Dorset MP Jim Knight had chosen to take his family holiday this week and criticised ministers for 'only being interested in asylum seeker statistics.'

Police said it was a peaceful demonstration apart from one youth who had to be warned about his behaviour.

One man who was perhaps sadder than most to see the Kachepas leave was 20-year-old Army mechanic Tom Sanderson from Portland who got engaged to Natasha Kachepa three weeks ago.

Natasha will apply to return to the UK but Mr Sanderson said if the application fails he will travel to Malawi to be with his fiance.

He said: "Saying goodbye was upsetting, really emotional. I consider myself part of the family now."

Packing her suitcase, Natasha said: "I'm frightened, it feels like I'm being pushed from light into dark.

"This is the third time we'll be leaving Weymouth and I can tell you it's not getting any easier."

Parish priest Father Philip Dyson said: "I am deeply saddened but overwhelmed by the huge measure of support for the family from such a wide range of people. It illustrates the contribution they have made to the community."