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Above: Richella and Ben describe the horrifying moment when they realised their mistake

It was Vegas or bust for a couple who booked flights to the US gambling mecca from the WRONG Birmingham.

Richella Heekin and Ben Marlow only realised their mistake when they turned up at the airport to fly out for their £1,200 break.

The devastated couple were told their flights were departing from Birmingham, Alabama, instead of its West Midlands namesake – and no refund was available.

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Ben said: “When we turned up at the airport we couldn’t find the flight details anywhere.

“We approached one of the desks and they told us our holiday was booked from Alabama.

“I was gutted – more for my partner than for me.

“She had told everyone and she was really upset.

“She was distraught and we didn’t know what to do.”

Hapless Richella, from Sutton Coldfield , booked the trip through lastminute.com as a 30th birthday surprise for Ben.

She kept it secret for more than a year before finally revealing the present at a bash in front of all their family and friends.

They flew off to Amsterdam instead after lastminute.com said no refund was available.

Ben said: “It’s a common mistake apparently – but if that’s the case the company’s website should make it more clear.

“It’s embarrassing because everyone was really happy for us.

“We are just going to have to start saving from scratch again.”

Lastminute.com said the drop down menu on its website made a clear distinction between the two airports.

MORE:Comedian booked hotel in Alabama instead of Brum

A spokeswoman said: “While not an error on our behalf, we do feel very sorry that Richella and Ben only realised this choice of departure was incorrect once at the airport.

“This is when they contacted our customer service team, who did their best to assist on the day of travel.

“However there were no other flights available which could have been booked as an alternative.

“We take customer satisfaction very seriously and are committed to always finding the best possible solution.

MORE:Remember when council bosses use Alabama skyline on leaflet?

“We have since contacted the airline and the hotel to ask whether any refund would be available.

“Unfortunately, as per the terms of conditions of the booking, this is not something that can be provided.

“Such cases are extremely rare.

“However we would like to take this opportunity to advise that customers check all details when making a booking, in particular departure and arrival airports (including airport codes) along with dates and times of travel.”

It's not the first time the two Birminghams have caused confusion.

In 2008, Birmingham City Council admitted sending out thousands of leaflets bearing the US city’s skyline.

Around 720,000 pamphlets praising residents for their recycling were sent out at a cost of £15,000.

And in 2014 the authority plugged a bridal fair in Birmingham, Alabama, on the events section of its website.