A “HIDDEN army” of grandparents have been left caring for their grandchildren because of the recession, according to the organisers of a new project in Oxford.

The Grandparent Project aims to discover exactly what activities those older residents would like to see introduced on the Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys estate.

Researcher Tanya Prescott said: “We are carrying out research to find out what grandparents who live on the Leys, or have grandchildren on the Leys, want in terms of activities.”

The project is being run by the Leys Clockhouse Over-50s project and the Leys Children’s Centre.

Ms Prescott, who is from the estate, said: “One clear thing that’s come out is that because of the economic downturn, more mums are having to go back to work before they want to, and childcare is very expensive.

“So we have now got this hidden army of grandparents out there who have become unofficial carers for the children.

“A lot of them just wanted recognition for what they are doing.”

Dozens of grandparents have been consulted over the past few months.

The results will now allow the centres to decide how to develop more for the community.

Last week, 11 residents enjoyed an informal afternoon of tea and cake to discuss the ideas.

Ms Prescott said: “On the more fun side, lots of people wanted to see things like a huge picnic, kiddie bingo and a history project, things like that.

“And lots wanted a drop-in club, where they can come together with people in the same situation and talk.

“Grandparents can be under quite a lot of pressure. It’s tiring bringing up a child when you’re younger, let alone now.

“So it would be nice for them to have some time out and meet other people.”

Paula Mitty, 44, from the Leys, has just become a grandmother, to six-month-old Saith Reece. She volunteers at the children’s centre.

She said: “I think it’s a great idea. I was surprised that this didn’t exist before.

“I’ve only become aware of how many grandparents are actually out there through this project.

“I think there does need to be support there for them, or at least somewhere where they can tell people how they feel.

“That way they won’t feel so alone and isolated.”