Winslet's dad backs childhood stories

Kate Winslet's parents have confirmed the star's recent revelations she had an impoverished childhood - but insisted it was a happy one.

The 'Titanic' star last month hit out at critics who assume she had a privileged upbringing because of her well-spoken accent - insisting the family was so poor she grew up wearing second-hand shoes.

The actress' parents, Roger and Sally Winslet, confirmed their family struggled to make ends meet, and were forced to take cheap vacations in the south-west of England.

Roger said: "Everything Kate said is true. The only thing she forgot to say was how happy we were. Yes, the children only had 10p pocket money but in that day and age it was perfectly normal. That could get you a lot and they were never left wanting.

"We are as normal and abnormal as everyone else. We are ultimately a very private and loving family and that's what is most important to me."