THE FIRST refugees to escape from war-torn Kosova are arriving in Sussex.

And a group staying at one hotel spoke for the first time of their heartbreak at having to flee the country they love.

The refugees, who escaped from Kosovo shortly before the first Nato raids, have moved from London to the Adelphi Hotel, Warrior Square, St Leonards.

Hotel manager Mike Holland spent weeks in talks with London boroughs after hearing of their plight.

Just over a dozen have already arrived, some bearing horrific scars from the conflict, and Mr Holland hopes to bring dozens more to the 100-bed hotel.

Spartak, 30, was living in the Kosovan town of Peje but had to flee, leaving behind his family, including his young son.

He said that watching the situation on TV in Britain filled him with fear.

He said: "It is very distressing to watch the news and I do not like the bombing."

Kadri, 26, was shot by Serb forces and now bears two distinct bullet hole scars in his lower back.

The former taxi driver from Gjakova was forced to hide in countryside while gun-wielding Serb forces attempted to flush him out.

But Kadri, Spartak and another guest at the hotel, Alban, escaped across the Macedonian border, through France to England.

Neighbours have donated toys to the children staying at the hotel and staff are negotiating with the nearby EF language school in the hope of providing English lessons.

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