A Manchester council worker will be getting a ticking off and a lesson in geography after sending a howler of a request to a benefits claimant.

The member of staff asked for more information about the person’s passport.

But the request in an official document was littered with hilarious spelling mistakes and a lack of knowledge of Greek culture.

The town hall worker wrote: “You have told me that your nationality is Greek but your passport shows you are Helenic citizen. There is not any country in Europeon Union called Hellas? Please tell me why you do not have a Geek passport.”

The term Hellenic means of or pertaining to the Hellenic Republic - modern Greece, or Greek people.

The gaffe was posted on Facebook by Greek comedian George Zacharapoulos.

He said: “The same thing happened to me. I was after an office job with an agency and I was told ‘you tell us you’re Greek, but your passport says you’re Hellenic.’

“I had a council official in Newcastle on Tyne asking me if Greece was in Europe.

“I thought the Manchester council request was so funny. People have said it is classic Brexit Britain, but it has nothing to do with that. It is just an idiot.

“I found it quite encouraging. If they can get a job, then there’s hope for everyone.”

The blunder triggered a raft of comments on social media.

Steve Rudd posted: “As an ancient Geek I demand my Geek passport now!

“Maybe we should start a crowdfunding page to buy them an atlas and a spellchecker.”

Stand Up for Europe posted: “You told me you’re Greek but your passport says you’re Hellenic! Sometimes Europeans don’t know Europe. Both sad and hilarious.”

Flario Zanchi posted: “I want a Geek passport too! And another one for the Nederlands.”

Keyth Rooney reacted with: “Duhh! And it’s mainly younger people who have Geek passports.”

A Manchester council spokesman said: “This was a silly mistake by an individual member of staff who clearly needs some geography and spelling lessons! We have got in touch with the recipient to apologise for this error.”