It can be tiring. Some days I feel 21 and other days about 100!

FORMER school librarian Joy Rendell, 60, gave up her job at Dumfries Academy and now babysits at opposite ends of the UK.

She and husband Charlie, 64, travel 80 miles up the M74 every Monday morning to look after daughter Ailsa’s children Benjamin, three, and Elizabeth, 18 months, in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire.

It’s a long 11-hour day even before the journey back home to Dumfries.

When they’re not there, Joy and Charlie, 64, make the 606-mile round trip to babysit for their son Alex and daughter-in-law Shona in Saffron Walden in Essex.

The couple’s daughter Amelia, just 11 months old, completes the trio of grandchildren on their babysitting rota.

“We drive around 10,000 miles a year to babysit but I love it,” said Joy.

“Our grandchildren’s faces light up when we step in the door making it all worthwhile.

“Ailsa has her own business AJR Designs and works long hours making stylish wedding dresses and gowns.

“It is intricate work and we are happy to look after the children.

“I took early retirement just in time to start babysitting.

“It’s like finishing one job and clocking on for another one in your retirement.

“Everywhere we go we meet other grandparents pushing prams because so many parents now work.

“You will see us all in the park, at playgroup and zooming along the motorway to babysit.

“It can be tiring. Some days I feel 21 and other days, about 100.

“But I am only happy to be with my grandchildren.”

Ailsa said: “Childcare is expensive, as any parent will tell you.

“Grandparents are invaluable when they look after the children on the days they are not at nursery.

“They definitely are devoted. I don’t know what I would do without them!

“The kids worship their granny and papa.”