A family has finally being reunited in time for Christmas after fleeing from Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

Reunited - Coral with daughters Jayde, Michaela and Amber with Coral's mum Iris Brinison Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Coral Tapsell, 34, her husband Gary, 41, and their three daughters Jayde, Amber and Micala arrived on Canvey after years of upheaval.

They are living with Coral's parents Iris, 66, and Bruce, 78, in Craven Avenue, who fled the troubled country just under a year ago.

They also escaped with just the belongings they could carry.

Coral feared for her daughters, who are aged nine, seven, and four.

She said: "Because my girls are white we couldn't send them to a Government school. The cost of living rocketed daily - you can't get petrol, diesel, bread or milk even if you have money."

Published Thursday December 18, 2003

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