A COUNTY councillor has welcomed a u-turn by the Government that will allow parents to use family members for childcare.

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced the change in the House of Commons on Monday, just days after grandparents in the North-East were effectively banned from looking after their grandchildren.

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, praised the decision.

He said: "I am delighted the Government has announced the changes.

"I have received a few enquiries from residents regarding the restriction asking for it to be lifted.

"I along with other county councillors have raised the issue with county council officers and the interim leader, asking that an approach is made to lift that restriction."

"We all await the finer details, and I would ask all residents to please abide by restrictions.

"If we all work together we can save lives and get back to normal as soon as practicable."

North-East councils had pushed for informal childcare to be allowed within families to enable parents to continue to go to work.

However, the restrictions placed on the area by the Government initially refused the request, with only paid-for professional childcare allowed.

Mr Hancock acknowledged that such restrictions could stop many parents from doing their jobs.

Children under the age of 14, or vulnerable adults, can now be looked after by a family member.