A PAIR of 69-year-old twins who feared they wouldn’t be able to take a family holiday of a lifetime following months of difficulties with the Passport Office have spoken of their ‘brilliant news’.

Just hours after the Lancashire Telegraph went to print on June 13, the newspaper was approached by an old contact of the sisters' who said he would verify their identities for them.

Ann Smith and Audrey Hughes, who has dementia, were offered the chance to travel on a luxury cruise paid for by Ms Hughes’ daughter, who lives in Australia.

But the chance to go on the trip quickly faded for the Blackburn twins as they realised they didn’t know anyone deemed as ‘acceptable’ by the Passport Office to act as a counter-signature on their applications.

After three months of frustration the twins contacted the Lancashire Telegraph with their story.

Just hours after the story was published on our website, Mike Eccles, the owner of Lockmill Service Station, Blackburn, said he had known the pair for years and would be more than happy to sign for them.

The twins went straight down to meet Mr Eccles and are now hopeful that their passport applications will finally be approved.

Ann said: “This has lifted our moods so much, we both welled up. We can’t wait to go on Skype and tell my niece the good news.

“Mr Eccles has signed the passport photographs and we’re really hopeful we can get our passports now and go on the cruise.

“It’s brilliant news and none of it would’ve happened without the Lancashire Telegraph – we’re so grateful.”

Mr Eccles said: “When I read the story and realised I could help it seemed like the right thing to do."

The twins now plan to take the trip of a lifetime to see the Northern Lights with Audrey’s daughter.