AGE CONCERN REVEALS BRITAIN'S STAR GRANDPARENT

West Midlands Grandparent wins Grandparent of the Year 2003, sponsored by Woolworths

Hilda Taylor, 82, from Wednesbury, West Midlands has won the Oscar of British grandparenting as she is named the Age Concern Grandparent of the Year 2003. Hilda is a friend and a great inspiration to her grandchildren.

GMTV presenter, Andrea McClean presented Hilda, Britain's greatest grandparent with the award this morning at the BAFTA HQ in central London. The award, sponsored by Woolworths plc, is a celebration of the importance of today's grandparents in family life.

Hilda said: "I love being a grandparent and my family is everything to me. I rocked all my grandchildren to sleep when they were babies and am now doing the same for my great-grandchildren. I wouldn't be without any of them for the world. I was so surprised and touched that Ruth nominated me. I already felt like a winner, so to be Grandparent of the Year is unbelieveable"

Hilda was put in the spotlight by 15-year-old Ruth who nominated her gran because she is so supportive of her family. When Ruth's home was damaged in a fire, Hilda insisted that the family all stay with her and she slept on the sofa. After a mugging four years ago, Hilda was nervous about going out. She overcame her fear and now shops and gardens for neighbours 20 years younger. She has dressed up as Father Christmas and a Dalmatian for children! She has won a yard of ale competition and was always the first on to the roller coasters on a dream family holiday to America.

Ruth said: "When I stay over at my gran's we never get any sleep as we are laughing too much. She watches Graham Norton with me and we pig out on chocolate. She is the coolest, funniest, most caring and loving person I know. She would give someone the last pound out of her purse if they needed it."

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England said: "Hilda thoroughly deserves her time in the spotlight. She is clearly a star in her grandchildren's lives. Every year the Grandparent of the Year award highlights how important grandparents are, in so many different ways.

"The nine regional finalists have cared for their grandchildren, been a friend, offered advice and been a shoulder to cry on. Their proud grandchildren nominated them to say thank you. Congratulations to Hilda whose story has impressed and moved us all."

Chrissi Monteuuis, Corporate Affairs Manager, Woolworths Plc said: "The research Woolworths commissioned with Age Concern found that three quarters of grandparents have a significant role to play in their grandchildren's upbringing. Grandparents are central to family life. Choosing a winner from nine such deserving finalists was very difficult. Our congratulations go to Hilda whose unique bond with her granddaughter, Ruth shone through."

Ends

Notes to Editors

• A press conference with Hilda, Fiona Phillips and spokespeople from Age Concern and Woolworths is taking place this morning at 12 - 12.45 at BAFTAHQ, Piccadilly, London.

• Interviews will be available with the regional finalists on the day between 12.00-12.30pm and with Hilda by telephone after this time for features.

• Digital photography from the event will be available from 2pm on Wednesday 15th October. Please contact Priscilla Schroeder 020 8765 7503 in the Age Concern press office to request digital images.

• Radio producers and picture editors - please note that Age Concern has an ISDN facility (020 8679 8379).

• If you require a spokesperson, please call Lucy Winter, Liz Hickey or Priscilla Schroeder on 07721 834 680 or 020 8765 7503.

• Recent research commissioned by Age Concern and Woolworths found that 75% of British grandparents say they are involved in their grandchildren's lives and have a clearly defined part to play in their upbringing. Almost a third (30%) of grandparents say that they are friends or confidants to their grandchildren. One in four grandparents care for their grandchildren on a regular basis.