The groundbreaking study by charity Grandparents Plus shows that with an increasingly ageing population, high numbers of mothers in employment and the prevalence of family breakdown, the contribution of grandparents is becoming increasingly important in family life - in the UK and across Europe. The study reveals:

• 6 out of 10 grandmothers and 5 out of 10 grandfathers across the EU provide
  childcare for their grandchildren
• 40% of grandparents in Italy, Spain and Greece provide regular childcare
• 20% of grandparents in Sweden, France and Denmark provide regular childcare

Read the full EU Press release on the Grandparents Plus report.
Read article on BBC News: 8 june 2010 (focusing on the role of the UK as lagging behind when it comes to recognising the rol of grandparents).
Full report here