A WEEKEND by the seaside turned into a nightmare after a dispute over a cat left a family of four stranded miles from home...

A WEEKEND by the seaside turned into a nightmare after a dispute over a cat left a family of four stranded miles from home.

The Steppings family, from London Fields, were abandoned in Clacton, Essex, after being told they would not be allowed on their return National Express journey to London because they had their cat with them.

They had taken the cat without incident on the trip from London, only to be told to make alternative arrangements to get home.

This was especially galling for dad Mark, who had been told twice that there would be no problem in having Gypsy on the coach.

He said: "I checked twice to see if we could take the cat with us on the coach.

"The first time I rang up and asked and then I asked again when I brought the tickets.

"Both times I was told that it wouldn't be a problem."

To make matters worse, Mr Steppings, 47, then had to pay more than £50 to get the family home to the Morland estate by train.

A spokesman for National Express said: "It's our policy not to allow animals on our coaches except for guide dogs.

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