Schoolboy Santa may be left behind after passport delays

Ashley Clough, who has already packed his bag, planned to give up his Christmas to hand out gifts in Romania to poverty-stricken children.

But a string of obstacles to get the youngster a valid passport could mean him being left behind.

With only days until departure, the youngster faces a hefty bill to get a fast-track passport.

The 13-year-old is due to leave Britain on December 16, to travel with a lorry load of presents to Romania.

The Norton School pupil is joining Convoy Aid founder Rod Jones on a Christmas run to Iasi.

But despite completing a form for his own passport in September, the Passport Office have yet to issue the document. Mr Jones said: "Ashley has been planning this trip for months. But there has been delay after delay and now we must pay £60 to get the passport quickly.

"The three-month delay has been the Passport Office's fault but they're asking Ashley to pay for their time-wasting."

Mr Jones said the original forms were returned Ashley because he has a different surname to his mother's, since his parents divorced.

The youngster completed a new form with the relevant information and even paid £6 to his local post office to check the forms were correct.

But again the forms were returned. This time because his signature was outside a designated box.

"All these mistakes are farcical. They're minor things, but have the power to stop this kid helping others," said Mr Jones.

Hundreds of shoe boxes have been filled with sweets, toys, hats and socks and wrapped in Christmas paper. Ashley said: "If I don't get a passport I can't go. I've worked hard to make this happen and now a simple thing like a passport could stop it all.

"I just want to see the smiles on people's faces when we give them their presents."

A spokesman for the Passport Office said: "Forms have to be completed in line with regulations.

"Passports are important documents and must be handed out correctly."