IT'S hugs all round for "super" grandparents Angela and Derek Barker.

The happy couple, who brought laughter back into the lives of their two grandchildren, have just won an all expenses paid trip to London.

Angela and Derek, from Morris Green, have beat off stiff competition from thousands to win through to the final of Age Concern's Grandparents of the Year Contest.

It's being seen as an early Christmas presents from the "grandkids" in the Barker household.

And it comes after many years of financial and emotional strife for the family.

Angela, 61, and Derek, 63, were supposed to be enjoying their retirement seven years ago.

But, after a traumatic family experience, the couple made the mammoth decision to bring up their two grandchildren.

Derek explained: "The best thing about being a grandad is to see their smiling happy faces.

"Childhood should be the happiest days of your life. But, due to circumstances, I realised that Danielle and Damon needed to come and live with us. I applied for a resident order when Danielle was five and Damon was four months old.

"It was a real struggle at first. It was hard, but it was all worth it. Sometimes it can be chaos in our house, but I love spending all my time with them.

"We go fishing, feed the squirrels and go for long walks. We always have a holiday every year in the caravan. They have everything they want -- within reason."

The couple were nominated for the Age Concern award by Danielle, now 11, a pupil at St Peter's and St Paul's Primary School.

Danielle said: "I wrote saying that my nan and grandad were the best in the world. They are always loving and kind.

"I really think they should win. My nan's never been to London before. Her first husband promised her but he died and my grandad also promised her, but he never did.

"Now I'm getting the chance to take her."

Staff at the school near Bolton town centre were overjoyed when Age Concern broke the happy news that the couple were among the eight finalists.

Danielle said: "The school secretary started crying and when I went to tell my teacher she just hugged me."

Derek, who has nine grandchildren, added: "I had no idea that they were writing off to Age Concern. It is a nice surprise. But all I have ever wanted is for the children to be happy."

The family will enjoy a weekend at two top London hotels before visiting the Dome and the glittering award ceremony.

Derek said: "Damon, who is now seven, said that he never wants to leave me. He said that he'll always look after me, even when I'm in a wheelchair.

"I know that we have sacrificed a lot for them, but we get much more back. They are so loving."

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, England, said: "Every year we hear of the most amazing and strong ties between grandparents and grandchildren and this year is no exception.

"It has been a delight to read the nominations and I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Angela, Derek and Danielle."