HAPPY LANDINGS FOR FAMILIES

MANCHESTER AIRPORT BECAME LIKE A SCENE FROM LOVE ACTUALLY AS LOVED ONES WERE REUNITED FOR CHRISTMAS

- THOMAS GEORGE

SHIFTING from one foot to another, Kevin Hazlehurst is a bundle of nervous energy. The arrivals gate swings open and he springs onto his tip toes for a better look.

In his hand, he clutches a bunch of flowers. He checks his watch, but there is still no sign of his partner, Steph Mendoza. After what feels like an eternity, she finally emerges.

There are tears and beaming smiles as the couple embrace, their faces pictures of joy.

"I knew I was going to cry my eyes out," says Steph. It's a moment they have both waited months for.

Until September, Kevin and Steph lived together in the US state of Virginia. But their lives were turned upside down when Kevin was forced to return to the UK because of a problem with his visa papers.

Originally from Maghull, in Merseyside, Kevin moved to the US to train as a pilot a few years ago. He can't wait to spend the Christmas period with Steph after a challenging few months.

"We will travel a little bit, see friends, eat loads of good food and make the most of having a couple of weeks together," Kevin explains.

Steph adds: "It's been 90-plus days since we saw each other so the suspense has been building" A trip to London is also on the cards during Steph's stay, although the big test for their relationship will come on January 5, when Manchester United face Liverpool in the Premier League.

Despite growing up on Merseyside, Kevin is a United fan while Steph supports Liverpool.

"I wanted to get tickets but I think we will have to go to the pub," says Steph. As a consolation, Kevin is planning to take her on a tour of Anfield instead.