A family is facing a Christmas without grandma after she was denied a visa.

Valeria Norris, 44, from Newhaven, invited her mother Nadiia Stakhova over for her annual festive visit – but was shocked when the Home Office denied the 74-year-old access to visit from Ukraine.

The family claim Ms Stakhova visits once a year for Christmas and her five-year-old son Michael’s birthday at the end of December.

Mrs Norris said they are now facing extensive legal fees as they fight to save their Christmas from being “spoiled”.

She said: “My child often asks why Granny cannot come. You cannot explain to him why the other children get to see their granny when their celebrate Christmas and their birthdays when he cannot.

“We are a British family but we cannot even have my mother for Christmas. She does not cost the country anything, we have a three-bed house, we have savings and we pay taxes.

“Five times she has come and celebrated with the whole street. My mother does not want to settle, she is 74 and she just wants to come and visit.

“It is ridiculous I cannot even invite my mother to come visit the country.”

Mrs Norris said the family has written to MP Norman Baker and has sent a letter Prime Minister David Cameron pleading her mother’s case.

Councillor Diane Hall, who represents Denton ward on Newhaven Town Council, said: “Her mum has been here five times before and she is no drain on the UK.

“She just comes here for Christmas and Michael’s birthday. As a neighbour who knows her, I can vouch for her.”

Ms Stakhova’s visa has been refused once before and the family have had to go to the Ukraine to visit her.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “All visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.”