The decision for the Gardiner family to move to Australia was an easy one. They wanted to give their son Ethan the best chance of a healthy life, away from the damp weather and pollution of Britain.

"Ethan had life threatening Asthma in the UK, due to the damp cold weather and pollution," says mum Cheryl. "He was always in hospital, on steroids and antibiotics."

When the family first arrived in Australia they spent four days enjoying Sydney and then hired a camper van to travel up the coast to Brisbane to find a place that felt right for them.

"To be truthful, it all was beautiful and we could have settled anywhere along the east coast, although we did have a few favourites," says Cheryl. Husband Danny has a sister in Adelaide who moved there nine years ago, so moving closer to a family member seemed the natural thing to do. "For us, Adelaide has it all," says Cheryl.

Danny’s trade is a builder and Cheryl is a hairdresser. Both have carved out jobs for themselves. "I've opened my own salon," beams Cheryl. "I work on my own but that is how we wanted it - I can work the hours I want. I have time to be a mum, a wife and the freedom to enjoy the wonderful areas in Adelaide." Danny is self employed too, having started his own construction business.

For a while, Cheryl did work as an employee, using the experience to get to know people and get to grips with the lingo. Even though Australia is an English-speaking nation, some terminology is different to what Cheryl was used to.

"For example, what I call a hairgrip, the Aussies call bobby pins," she says. "So just little things, but the Australian people are so friendly and helpful, you can’t help but fit in."

Danny took a little longer to settle down as he had to get all manner of licences before he could work in his trade.

However, the Gardiners did arrive in their new home with a determined attitude to succeed. "When we arrived we said we were going to make this work, that we wouldn’t even consider going back to the UK for at least two years until we had given it a fair go," says Cheryl.

"I think we are fortunate to have settled in so quickly. We joined a local church and just kept inviting people around for dinner. Having children always makes it easier as you can meet people through various clubs and sporting activities. Friends have also been made through the local surf club, which is wonderful."

For eight-year-old Ethan, the move to a warmer drier climate has made the world of difference to him and his health.

"He has only had one bout of asthma in 20 months and is growing like a mushroom," says Cheryl. "His health is amazing since moving here. He loves school and all the Aussie sports. If people joke with him about being English he says ‘no, I'm an Aussie now!’ He is so happy at school and the teachers are fantastic - he just loves it. He says he wants to be a lifesaver when he grows up."

Like most immigrants, the decision to leave home was filled with regret, leaving behind good friends and family. "We still miss them loads," says Cheryl. "But the lifestyle in Australia really shows it was a decision we had to make. We would definitely choose Australia if we had to make the decision again. It’s just like being in England but with all the benefits and none of the down points."

For people considering the move, Cheryl advises them to weigh up the options on moving all their furniture over in a crate against buying new on arrival. "Some things are so much cheaper here," she says. "So do some research first. You don’t have to bring everything."

Using The Emigration Group gave the family a lot of confidence in planning their move and navigating the paperwork.

"The Emigration Group were brilliant," she says. "They held our hands every step of the way. We met the company’s representatives at an immigration seminar and they were professional, friendly and assured us they could help."

"I'm sure you can apply direct for residency but it’s far more complicated than it appears. We have friends that have been living here for the same amount of time as us who still haven’t got their permanent visas and that is very unsettling for them. Having an agent really gives you peace of mind and the upper hand as they know what to do to present you and your family to the authorities in the best light."

"What sticks in our mind is that they let us know what was happening at every stage of the application process. Whenever we were concerned about anything they were only a phone call away - they never once made us feel as if we were any trouble and showed true customer care."

Despite being very happy with their decision to move, like most migrants, their first Christmas was hard.

"Of course we missed everyone at home," says Cheryl. "Being here was a little like living in a parallel universe because jingle bells was being played while we were walking around in thongs and shorts in 35 degree heat. It isn’t quite the Christmas we're used to."

"But walking the dog, Snoop, along a beautiful golden beach on Christmas day, playing cricket on the sand and still getting to eat a full traditional English turkey dinner in the evening just shows that you can have everything here. This Christmas (2008) is going to be brilliant as we have family and friends joining us. Yep, a full house as we will have 11 of us here."

Cheryl says the family has always been very happy, but that moving to Adelaide has boosted their happiness and given them more time to be with each other.

"We definitely get more family time now," she says. "And more quality time, watching sunsets that look like something off a postcard and swimming in a sea that often looks as still as a millpond. Australia is beautiful, the people friendly and the food - wow! The flavour of the food is like going back 20 years in the UK. Everything is so tasty, so fresh. "

"The houses are so much bigger than in the UK too - you get a lot more for your money here. When we arrived we felt like millionaires."