Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Government to stop deportation proceedings against an East End man.

Duc Kien Nguyen, who now lives in Glasgow, was trafficked into the UK from Vietnam and forced to work in an illegal cannabis farm.

After being arrested in a raid, he served six months in prison, during which time he lodged a claim for asylum.

From prison, he was then moved to a detention centre where he was held for a year and a half.

Read more: Theresa May asked to help asylum orphan Giorgi Kakava

Duc was then released and relocated to Glasgow where he began volunteering at local community projects, including the Lambhill Stables.

Through his work, he has carried out over 1,000 hours of volunteering, including fixing children’s bikes and preserving Glasgow wildlife.

He attends the local church in Haghill every week where he has made a number of friends.

Read more: Theresa May asked to help asylum orphan Giorgi Kakava

Duc’s claim for asylum has been now been refused and the desperate worker has been booked on a flight back to Vietnam on June 13.

Speaking through The Unity Centre, Duc said: “I did some thing which against Vietnam's government.

“I was in debt with a huge amount of money from gangster in Vietnam and I would be kill if i have to return not only by the government but by gangsters in VN as well."

“During the time in both prison and detention I have tried my best to do anything which helpful for you and your country as to repay for the harm I have done earlier and became a good Christian.

“I did as much helpful thing as possible.”

A petition created to stop the deportation of Duc has attracted nearly 1,000 signatures and has been backed by Councillor Kim Long, who is now fighting for the process to be ended.

She said: “I met Duc last year - he came up to me and asked about local groups he could volunteer with.

“When I checked in on him a few months later he was at Haghill Stables and getting on really well.

“He’s made a really positive impact since he’s been here, which has only been a year or so.

Read more: Theresa May asked to help asylum orphan Giorgi Kakava

“We want to raise as much awareness as possible so we’re asking people to sign, selfie and share to get Duc’s story out there.

“I've been in touch with Duc's MP Paul Sweeney, and the amazing Unity centre who've started a petition, and Duc's friends from all the community groups he's part of. Duc has already brought so much to our city, and now we're going to stand by him.”

Several members of the community have posted comments of support for Duc.

Joan Wylie wrote: "Duc is a really good guy was very helpful to us in St Andrews East church I hope and pray he will be allowed to stay."

Lucy Kate Neville commented: "He goes to my friend's church as well and by all accounts is a wonderful member of the community. Please tell him we all support him!"

Rollo H Strickland posted a touching tribute urging locals to back the campaign.

He said: "Back in November, a really lovely, shy guy came along to our UNBOUND community meal for the first time.

Read more: Theresa May asked to help asylum orphan Giorgi Kakava

"He was a Man U fan, but we managed to hit it off, even in spite of that. He told me a bit about his brutal story, and asked me to write a song thanking everyone who'd helped him to find his feet in a new country."

To find out more about Duc’s story and sign the petition, click here.