IT'S time for the greatest grandparents in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire to take a bow.

We had asked readers of The Gazette and the Barrhead News to nominate grannies and grandpas who go that extra mile to care for others.

A shortlist of 16 finalists was then drawn up, with a public vote launched to decide the winners.

And, today, we are proud to announce our winners - Christina Wallace, from Johnstone, and Duncan Henry, of Barrhead.

Christina, 55, has scooped the Greatest Grandmother award after being nominated by her daughter Ashley Wallace, on behalf of her grandchildren Payton, Emily, Harper and Arya.

Ashley said: "My mum cared for my dad, who had a 14-year fight against cancer, but still managed to be here for her four amazing little granddaughters.

"I'm over the moon she has won because it's cheered her right up.

"She deserves the happiness and joy that comes with winning such a special accolade.

"We are all so proud of her. The girls just adore her. She really is the best grandparent."

Despite being devastated by the loss of her husband ??? in ???, Christina has continued to be the most loving and caring gran.

However, she insists being a grandparent is a privilege.

Christina said: "It feels great to win this award. My girls are amazing and always put a smile on my face, they all are wonderful in their own little way.

"I'm a lucky gran to have such a special little family.

"I'm looking forward to a wee night at the bingo with my daughter Ashley and daughter-in-law Stephanie - maybe our lucky numbers will come up too."

Winner of the Greatest Granddad category is Duncan Henry who was nominated by his granddaughter Jennifer Williams.

The 81-year-old Barrhead man has 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren all ranging from three months to 38-years-old.

Jennifer said: "He is an absolute legend every one of us absolutely adore him - he has had a huge influence on every one of our lives.

"He makes us laugh, he has wiped our tears, fed us, changed us, played with us and most importantly loved every one of us equally and unconditionally."

Duncan is delighted with his win and is looking forward to enjoying his prize with the family.

He said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to have been nominated for this and to win is a great honour.

"Every day I'm just grateful and very blessed to be surrounded my all my family.

"This includes my wife Moira, my daughter, eight sons, 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren with another on the way - there's nothing better than that."

ENDS

OVER the past few weeks, we asked our readers to vote on the stories which represented who had the greatest grandparents.

The votes have been tallied and the winner of our 2017 Greatest Grandparents Competition has been announced.

Our number one granddad and grandmother have won the star prize of £150 and a VIP night at Mecca Paisley.

This includes an evening of free bingo, a free meal for four, plus a box of chocolates and four £5 AWP matchplay for each of them.