The children can be pretty full-on but I know how hard it is for working mums

MAUREEN McCAUL, 71, looks after her three grandchildren Adam, 10, Eleanor, seven, and Maeve, 14 months.

The former infant teacher from Bishopton, Renfrewshire, drives along the M8 to daughter Janet’s house in Glasgow’s west end every Monday night before babysitting on Tuesdays.

This allows orthopaedic surgeon Janet to be in theatre at the Children’s Hospital before 8am. Her husband Jack Winter is also a doctor. “I must be one of millions of grandparents babysitting throughout the country,” Maureen smiled. “Without this army of babysitting grans the NHS would probably grind to a halt and many business would struggle. I set off the night before just in case the traffic on the M8 holds me up.

“It’s a 6.30am rise the next morning and I will look after the children until around 7pm.

“My husband Jim will help in the afternoon by taking Maeve out for a walk in the pram. Three children can be pretty full-on.

“I worked full-time when my children were young and I know how hard it is for working mum. Like most mothers I do what it takes to support my family.

“These are wonderful years where we can be so much of our grandchildren’s lives. “It’s truly a labour of love.” Janet said: “My mum is a pocket rocket. She has supported me throughout my career and dotes on her grandchildren. We would be lost without her.

“We are mindful of the pressure it puts on mum and limit her hours. It’s vital to look after your parents.”