The grannies and grandads in UK are crying out for a break, according to a survey published by Just Go! holidays, citing “looking after grandchildren” as the main factor in their desire for a rest.

Following a gruelling half-term holiday caring for their children’s children the survey found that more than 40 per cent of Britain’s grandparents are drained.

Coupled with rising fuel bills and the recent VAT increase, the woes of the nation’s grandparents are being exacerbated. Thirty-eight per cent say that with the additional pressures of looking after grandchildren “they don’t get as much chance to take a break as they thought they would at this stage in life”.

James Massey of Just Go! holidays commented: “This research illustrates the growing pressure on the nation’s older generation.

“They are at a time in their lives when they should be afforded the opportunity of taking a break, but are not getting the opportunity to do so. Today’s results indicate that taking a break is more important than ever.”