Alicia Bolton, the grandmother who was refused a British passport after living in this country for 53 years, is being backed by her MP.

Julia Drown, who represents South Swindon, has offered to fight for Alicja's right to be recognised as a British citizen.

As revealed by the Evening Advertiser on Saturday, Polish-born Alicja is classed as an "alien" despite marrying an Englishman, giving birth to five children in this country and working here for four decades.

Ms Drown, her MP, said: "She has been here such a long time that although the rules might mean her nationality is under question, I am sure most people would see her as a part of the Swindon community.

"I am therefore very happy to look into her case and would hope to clarify her status as a British citizen."

Hearing the news, a delighted Alicja said: "That's brilliant. My friends are planning a holiday next May. They say they are not going to book it unless I have a passport and can come too."

Alicja first came to Britain with her mother and brother when she was four years old, as a political refugee after the Second World War.

She has never left the country since, not even for a short break abroad. In 1960 she married an Englishman and had five children. After 13 years she was divorced and moved to Swindon for a fresh start.

But when she applied for her first passport so that she could go on a foreign holiday with her friend, she was refused and told she was an immigrant.

Alicja, who has 13 grandchildren and works at the WH Smith headquarters in Greenbridge, was shocked and has asked a solicitor to take up her case.

She was delighted by the offer from Ms Drown to look into the matter.The Home Office say Alicja must apply for British citizenship before a passport can be issued. She has no automatic right to citizenship because she married an Englishman.