A refugee who fled Zimbabwe has been reunited with his family in the UK, having not seen them for seven years

Wonder, who asked for his surname not to be disclosed, met his wife Lilian, and children Rejoice and Reward at Manchester Airport earlier.

He said he had to leave Zimbabwe when he became a target for refusing to take part in a political rally.

He was given refugee status in 2009 which meant his family was allowed to join him in the UK.

They will all live in a one-bedroom flat in Salford initially, and be supported by the Red Cross.

Wonder said: "I don't mind as long as they are near me.

"I can't say it is the end of the bad times for me but if I have my family here like this that is OK."

'Help to settle'

But he said he was concerned about family members who were still in Zimbabwe - including his parents and younger brothers.

He said the Red Cross had been instrumental in helping the family to be reunited.

Antonia Dunn, from the charity, said: "We will be helping them to settle into life here.

"We will be helping them with their housing, with shop vouchers, with getting into school, volunteering and job opportunities - just helping them to settle and start to make their life here."

Wonder is taking courses in social care courses at a local college.

He said he hoped to find work helping older people and children in the future.

BBC news