Foreign Office Requests List Reveals Things From Silencing A Cockerel To Translating A Tattoo

Noisy Cockerel? Stone Throwing Monkey?

Being abroad can be a troubling time for many of us Brits - lost money, sunburn and finding a fish and chip shop even though you're in the heart of the Mediterranean can all take their toll.

Some of us however, struggle more than most and require a little bit of extra help.

This is where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) steps in, ready to take control in a potentially life changing emergency...

... of which none of these are.

Mark Simmonds, Minister for Consular Affairs, said: "FCO staff help many thousands of British nationals facing serious difficulties around the world every year.

"We also receive over a million enquiries each year, so it is important that people understand what we can and cannot do to support them when they are abroad.

"We are not in a position to help people make travel arrangements or social plans, but we do help those who face real problems abroad.

"These can include victims of crime, bereaved families who have lost a loved one abroad or Britons who have been arrested or detained. We aim to continue to focus on supporting those who really need our help in the coming year."