A WOMAN who has been given the role of grandparenting co-ordinator, the first job of its kind in the country, has vowed to improve and help Preston and South Ribble grandparents.

Christine Nuttall, who at 42 is a grandmother herself, wants to start groups, arrange social activities, offer advice and information to reach out to people of any age looking after a grandchild.

She said: "Grandparents, particularly those with sole custody of a child, are often overlooked or under-represented. I want to change this and be there to offer practical or emotional support.

"We need help to take this forward and so would like to talk to parents and grandparents who have any ideas, knowledge or experience they think would be of help."

Her new role, she started recently, will allow her to work with Age Concern Preston and South Ribble and Surestart East and Central. She will be helping people in Deepdale, Holme Slack, Brookfield and Central Preston wards.

One woman who has already volunteered is 52-year-old grandmother, Irene Nicholson.

Mrs Nicholson and husband Brian applied for sole custody of Alex when he was 13 months old after her daughter, Suzanne, 17 at the time, was struggling to look after him.

Lollipop lady Irene, said: "Suzanne was still only a child herself. She didn't have the motherly instincts and that's why me and her father have custody.

"At first I was annoyed. Me and my husband had decided that we would spend more time together and that has now had to take a back seat. We set our lives around Alex but I wouldn't have it any other way. He's a lovely child."

The mother-of-three said it is about time grandparents were given the help and recognition they deserve and she vowed to help Christine and welcomes any ideas or projects she has.

She said: "It would have been great if someone had offered me support, just to be able to talk to someone in the same position.

"I needed to feel like I wasn't on my own. I think Christine will be able to bring people together and give them somewhere to go and share each other's thoughts."

Mrs Nicholson, who celebrated her silver wedding last year, is helping by sending out questionnaires to parents and grandparents in the area to find out what type of things are most important and to get feedback.

If you can help contact Christine Nuttall at Surestart East on 01772 252924.