NEW research shows children can cause an average £3,000 worth of damage in the home during childhood.

The figures from Age UK suggest grandparents should make sure they have adequate insurance cover for their homes, said Sharon Jones of Age UK Bradford & District.

“Some policies do not include accidental damage as standard so it’s important to check the small print. From chocolate smeared across the walls, to sugar-fuelled children running amok, grandparents should brace themselves for the potential of a few mishaps over the Easter break,” she said.