Young entrepreneur who invented walking stick for Parkinson's sufferers at risk of deportation

A woman widely regarded as one of Britain's brightest and best young entrepreneurs has been told she must now leave the country.

Neha Chaudhry has developed a walking stick with her firm in Bristol that promises to transform the lives of thousands of people with Parkinson's Disease.

But the Home Office has refused the Pakistan- born inventor's visa request, because she incorrectly filed ONE piece of information in a 66-page document.

Her pioneering work is on hold while she fights to overturn this ruling from the Home Office refusing her application for a visa granted to highly skilled individuals.

The 24-year-old's failure to file evidence that she was a director of her company made her application void. She can reapply but she would be classed as an over-stayer leaving her open to a minimum 12-month ban in this country.

"It's the uncertainty," adds Neha, a masters graduate of the University of the West of England. "I've been here seven years and on this project for three years so all the work I've done, where would I take it and how could it continue?"

Her 'smart' walking stick uses electronic pulses to send messages to the brain to aid movement. The charity Parkinson's UK has endorsed the product which has attracted the interest of the NHS and patient groups.

Andy Sinclair, who's firm has given Neha £100,000 worth of support, says the visa problem is detracting from their work.

The Home Office told ITV News applications are considered on their individual merit in line with immigration rules and are reviewing Neha's case.