A KOSOVAN teenager today told of the "terrifying" moment he discovered his appeal to stay in Britain had failed.

Edmond Pone, 18, who lives in Blaina, came to Wales in 1999 after stowing away in a lorry with fellow Kosovan Krenar Lleshi, also 18.

The pair, who were escaping the aftermath of the Serbian occupation, were taken into the foster care of Julia Gregg and Steve Crandon, who live in Ebbw Vale.

But Edmond, who now lives on his own in a supported housing scheme, may now have to return to Kosovo after an Immigration Appellate Authority hearing rejected his appeal.

Edmond told the hearing he would fear for his life if he returned home.

But the adjudicator agreed with Home Office presiding officer Chris Howells' submissions that Kosovo was now a safe country after the Serb withdrawal.

Edmond told the Argus this morning: "I feel very emotional, I just can't believe it, just can't believe it.

"On the day in court it seemed to go so well and I really thought it was going to be OK.

"I don't know what we are going to do. I'm going to see my solicitor on Thursday.

"I was terrified when Julia and Steve came to my flat and told me, and Krenar's not too good, he's terrified, too.

"He thinks the same thing is going to happen to him but I've just got to be positive.

"Something we've got to do is contact the home secretary in the appeal against the decision."

Edmond has ten days to appeal against the decision for a tribunal court to hear his case in London.

He can also appeal for the home secretary to intervene.

His foster mum said: "We are gutted, absolutely devastated. We don't even know what to say to each other, Edmond is very frightened.

"We just can't imagine him not being in our lives."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who submitted a character reference in Edmond's favour, has been informed of the decision.