A grandmother caring for her grandchildren is raising awareness of the two hundred thousand kinship carers in the UK.

Lyn Griggs, 55 and her husband Alan, 60, have parental responsibility for seven-year-old twins Alice and Rebecca.

The twins mother, Cheryl, died five years ago and the children have been living with their grandparents since.

Lyn said: “At first you ask ‘why me?’, it can be a very lonely and isolating time."

The national group Kinship Carers wants to raise awareness and support for this ‘silent army’ of caregivers.

A mascot bear called Kristopher tours the country raising awareness of the group.

Kristopher is coming to Essex next Monday and Mrs Griggs hopes the mascot will educate people.