A 12-year-old girl held "hostage" in an international tug-of-love is being hailed a hero after she rebelled against her captors and won their freedom.
Sisters Carene Crofts, 12, and Shelby, 11, were snatched from their home during an access visit with their mother Trudy on 16th August.
Their grandmother and legal guardian Rita Astbury was devastated when she learned the vulnerable girls were being held captive with a family of strangers in Morocco.
The pair has been taken to the city of Fez by Trudy Crofts, 32, where they were kept at the home of the ageing parents of Trudy's Moroccan waiter boyfriend Sam Zaroli.
British courts, the police and UK Government authorities appeared powerless to end the ordeal for the youngsters, but a breakthrough came when Carene defied her captors and made a break for freedom.
She had a row with the arab man who was the head of the household and dashed out of the house - pursued down the street by the man brandishing a slipper.
She ran into the arms of English-speaking neighbours who reported the incident to the authorities in Fez and the local police became involved.
Rita Astbury, 48, said: "Carene who took matters into her own hands to find a way to get back home.
"She had a row with the head of the household over wanting to watch an English language TV programme.
"He picked up a slipper and chased her around the house and then out into the street where the neighbours saw what was happening and intervened to protect the girls.
"It seems that Morrocan police were called-in and decided that the girls were being neglected and they were taken into official custody.
"The British Consul then decided that they were abandoned children and eligible to be repatriated.
"It all happened very quickly within less than 24 hours and they were issued with new passports.
"I have spoken to them on the phone and they have obviously been through a terrible time.
"They were tearful, but glad to be coming home.
"It's the end of what seemed like a never-ending nightmare. I've not had an unbroken night's sleep for three months, worrying about them.
"It's very frustrating that the law, the Government and the police all seemed unable to act and it took a 12-year-old girl to cut through the red tape the officials couldn't sort out.
"Now than God we will be able to have a happy Christmas with them back where they belong. I am so proud of Carene and Shelby for the way they have stood up to this."
A judge made a publicity ruling in the case, lifting anonymity governing child protection cases.
Lancashire Police confirmed that the sisters are being repatriated to the UK.
Det Sgt Simon Pitchard said: "We are relieved that these children are being re-united with their loving family after what has been a traumatic experience for them.
"Obviously our immediate priority is the wellbeing of Carene and Shelby, but the criminal case against Trudy Crofts will continue its course."
Crofts is due to appear before Blackpool Magistrates Court on Friday for committal to crown court trial on a charge of child abduction.
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