Whether taking tots for walks in their baby back carriers or feeding them in their travel high chairs, an increasing number of grandparents are providing childcare for members of their family.

According to chief operating officer at BeGrand.net Marc Webber, it is "high time" that the "vital role" that many elderly members of the family perform is recognised.

His remarks echo recent comments from charity Grandparents Plus, which said Britain's granddads and grandmas are undervalued.

It highlighted the fact that parental leave cannot be transferred to grandparents and they are unable to take control of financial affairs such as tax credits.

Mr Webber said a survey for BeGrand.net had also uncovered some interesting trends.

"More than half of adults in the UK said they had learnt respect and manners from their grandparents. Almost as many said their grandparents had shown them the difference between right and wrong," he remarked.

In January this year, the Department for Children, Schools and Families - now renamed the Department of Education - proposed that grandparents should be given more legal recognition as childcare providers.

Posted by Michael StevensonADNFCR-3005-ID-19829324-ADNFCR