Great-gran's festive reunion is on after red-tape wrangle ends in victory for family

Anna's set to meet great-granddaughter for first time as officials relent following The Sentinel's intervention in her case

- Sentinel Reporter

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Anna Coates is looking forward to a festive reunion with her family - after Government red tape almost left their Christmas plans in tatters.

Home Office officials twice refused Anna's 20-month-old great-granddaughter - whom she has never met - a visitor's visa, which left the trip in jeopardy.

But after The Sentinel intervened in the 'ridiculous' situation, they have relented and the family are all set for a two-week holiday in the Potteries.

Anna, aged 74, of Hanley, had been looking forward to a long-awaited reunion with her daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter.

The 74-year-old is from Zimbabwe, holds a Polish passport, and has lived in Stoke-on-Trent for 23 years. She has not seen her daughter, 53-year-old Chantelle Mbav, and granddaughter, 21-year-old Shyanne Mbav, since they last visited the UK in 2015.