The perils of grandparents babysitting have been revealed in a survey, which found nearly half of them caught a cold from a sick grandchild.

There are now 10 million grandmothers and grandfathers providing regular childcare for their families each week, more than ever before, but this is leading to a potential health crisis - with their immune systems vulnerable to colds.

And with colds leading to more serious illnesses, like chest infections or pneumonia, a fifth of grandparents say it is their biggest concern when it comes to babysitting (21 per cent).

In an attempt to escape falling ill themselves, 16 per cent admit they avoid their grandchildren when they are sick.

With 48 per cent saying they have caught a cold from a sick grandchild and a further four in ten ending up with a chest infection or pneumonia (41 per cent), these concerns are not unfounded.