A Keighley man who forged a friendship with an American woman over the Internet, has met her at last -- but in a neutral country.

Paul Preston, 29, has had to fly to Amsterdam, in Holland, to meet 19-year-old Victoria Clark, from Houston, Texas, six months after they planned their first rendezvous.

Paul, who lives with his parents at the Kings Head, South Street, Keighley, and Victoria, were kept apart in March by UK immigration officers.

She was turned back to the USA when she landed at Heathrow Airport with just £30 in her pocket because she lacked enough funds to support herself. She spent just seven hours in the UK.

She had been invited to stay with Paul in the pub and he was planning to help finance her stay in Keighley.

But, undeterred, they were determined to meet and learned that it was possible in Holland, said Paul's mum, Helen Clarke.

"Victoria had no trouble getting into Amsterdam.

The funny thing is she had to land in Heathrow and change aircraft to fly on to Amsterdam.

"Paul flew out on his 29th birthday and he was very excited. They have seen photographs of each other, but never met in the flesh," she said.

They explored Amsterdam together for several days before Paul, who works for a Keighley elevator company, arrived back in Keighley.

It is believed Victoria, a factory worker who was planning to start further education, was refused entry because her accommodation in the UK was a public house.

The couple are hoping that eventually they could arrange for Victoria to get accommodation in a UK hotel which would overcome the problem.

At the time of her refusal, immigration service officers said they had to ensure people were genuine visitors and they scrutinised people's employment background and financial circumstances before making an entry decision.