A WOMAN who changed her middle name by deed poll to “Skywalker” as a joke has been told by the Home Office she cannot change her name on her passport.

Laura “Skywalker” Matthews, 29, from Southend, changed her name by deed poll in 2008.

Passport bosses have refused to amend her signature to L.Skywalker saying it infringes a trademark.

Ms Matthews added “Skywalker” after joking with friends and says she has never had a problem with changing her name on official documents before.

A Home Office spokesman said it “will not recognise a change to a name which is subject to copyright or trademark”.

He added: “We have a duty to ensure the reputation of the UK passport is not called into question or disrepute.” Ms Matthews said: “It’s on my driving licence, my bank cards, everything. Everyone else is happy with that signature, apart from passport office.”

Ms Matthews will now have to submit a new passport form with her old signature.

But she is allowed to keep her new name on the document.