The Identity and Passports Service (IPS) has launched a campaign urging people in Yorkshire and Humberside to apply for passports to avoid the summer rush.

Last year 143,000 customers in the region left it too late, causing them to face delays to their summer holidays or miss out altogether.

Despite extra staff being employed by IPS, fast-track appointments are limited and customers cannot rely on a last-minute call.

If customers apply before April they could receive their passport quicker than the advised three-week waiting period and save £64.50 as they will avoid a fast-track appointment fee.

Sarah Rapson, IPS chief executive, said applying for a passport early could save customers time and money.

She said: “To ensure passports remain one of the most trusted and secure documents in the world, each application takes time to process.”