Tears turned to joy for an amazing six-year-old after thieves almost ruined a trip of a lifetime.

Little Ella Tomlinson from Ellesmere Port was devastated when crooks in Chester stole the family’s passports because it seemed unlikely hers could be replaced in time for today’s flight to New York.

But Liverpool Passport Office managed to fast-track the process after the heart-rending story was shared in the Ellesmere Port Pioneer, on Granada Reports and social media. The family are currently winging their way to the Big Apple.

Today’s trip was a reward for Ella because of her brave recovery from an horrific dog attack and for saving her mum Becky’s life – Ella phoned an ambulance when mum collapsed due to a recent diabetic episode.

Grandma Carol Murphy is overjoyed her amazing granddaughter is on board the British Airways flight and the BA press office didn’t miss a trick by putting the family in the executive lounge at Manchester Airport and taking her picture in the cockpit.

Carol, who lives around the corner from her daughter, said: “The passport office came up trumps and they got their passports. As we speak they are on a plane on their way to New York.”

Carol said Ella always thought mum would “fix it” but not everyone was quite so confident as strict rules mean it normally takes up to seven days to replace a child’s passport.

Grandma added: “I hope the thieves, whoever they are, are ashamed of themselves and get their just desserts. Becky and Ella deserve a break, both of them. We have all been through so much as a family.

“It’s just nice to see a happy ending. I only wish I was going too!”

Becky, a student social worker, had been saving up for the holiday for 12 months as a reward for Ella who had to have surgery following an horrific dog attack. The trip, which also involves Becky’s partner and his mum and sister, will include a helicopter ride and going to the top of the Empire State building.

But everything was put in jeopardy after thieves targeted Becky’s car when it was parked in Westminster Park, Chester, as she stayed overnight at residential accommodation supporting adults with learning difficulties. Mum and daughter’s passports were stolen along with Ella’s iPad, although it is hoped Santa may come to the rescue with a replacement in time for Christmas.