SHE'S fostered more than 50 children as well as looked after her own 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

So it has come as no surprise to the many youngsters who have passed through her home that super-gran Vi Gregory has made it to the final of Britain's Best Grandparent.

Vi, 72, of Llanmartin, Newport, was nominated by her granddaughter in the national Age Concern contest. She could scoop a prize of her choice up to £2,000 when she takes part in the London final against eight others next month.

Granddaughter Caroline King , 34, said: "There were so many reasons to nominate my Nan. "As a child I remember her love, warmth and kindness. "She continues to give me emotional support and is always there for all of us. She looks after my son so I can continue working.

"You can visit her at any time of day and there will always be groups of children that she is looking after and fussing over.

"The best thing I have learnt from my nan is that material things mean nothing if you don't have a family around you who love you unconditionally."

There's no stopping the energetic gran - she climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the age of 70.

But she came back down to earth after hearing she was nominated and said she was thrilled.

She said: "I am really excited - I just love children. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren keep me young. After my husband died I thought I could either sit in a chair and mope and grieve, or get back on my feet and help others.

"That is why I decided to become a foster carer. I love being able to play football with the kids, or take them to the beach."