Thirteen may be an unlucky number for some but not for this happy family.

While others face missing holidays through the massive passport crisis, Paul and Julie Oliver and their children are heading for the sun - and it took them only 13 days to get their passports!

Paul and Julie and their three children Christine, 11, Mark, eight and Danny, five, from Southend, are busy packing their suitcases for Majorca.

Paul said: "I felt so sorry for all those holiday makers who are without passports. I envisaged packing a lunch box and driving to Peterborough to queue up.

"I was ecstatic when my wife rang my office on Tuesday telling me they had arrived in just 13 days."

Worried travellers can call the passport helpline on 0845 6004646.

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