GRANDPARENTS are pigeon-holed as grey-haired old people who like nothing better than pottering in the garden or having the occasional sherry.

But new research into the lives of the over-50s carried out for Saga magazine has found there are now five types of grandparents challenging the stereotype.

Meet the Worcestershire Racy Role Models, Adventure Seekers, Traditionalists, Hearts of Gold, and Quiet Reminiscers.

THE RACY ROLE MODEL

The racey role model is often younger, still employed and active.

At the age of 44, Julie Davey, pictured right, is a young grandma and often gets confused for being two-year-old Ellie-Mae Brazier's mum.

It's a big deal for me to admit being her grandma, said single Julie, an advertising sales executive.

I'm very proud of Ellie-Mae, don't get me wrong, but when people think I'm her mum I don't correct them!

I'm not like one of those grey-haired grannies, I love dance music and going out and having a good time.

When Ellie-Mae comes round we have great fun together, we have a good boogie or I read her poetry I have written.

I have a picture of Brad Pitt and I've taught her to blow kisses at it, which she finds very amusing.

THESE grandparents count travelling, sport and charity work among their hobbies.

Gordon Chamberlain, above, may have been 70 but that didn't stop him cycling 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats on a tricycle.

The granddad-of-five did the mammoth 15-day journey in aid of St Richard's Hospice, in Rose Hill, Worcester, which provides care for people with life-threatening illnesses.

He also voluntarily drives patients to the hospice, as well as helping to run a pensioners' club in Perdiswell.

Now aged 71, Gordon, of Dilmore Avenue in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, still does time trials and 10-mile bike rides at St John's Cycling Club.

TRADITIONALIST

THESE grandparents are often older with less involvement with their grandchildren.

Ken and Gwyneth Jones, above, say they have a very "traditional" approach to looking after their three grandchildren.

"We see them once a week when they come to our house for Sunday lunch," said Gwyneth, of Rushwick, who is married to 79-year-old Ken.

"We love being grandparents doing things like going for walks.

"It's great to have them but without the responsibility of your own children, you can give them back at the end of the day!"

The retired couple, who are grandparents to Tim, aged six, Samuel, 11 and Miriam eight, enjoy gardening and DIY in their spare time.

HEART OF GOLD

THESE grandparents are devoted to their family and friends

Anne Phillips loves spending as much time as possible with her granddaughter, nine-year-old Lily Bevan, above.

Anne helps Lily's mum widow Sarah, aged 39, of Battenhall in Worcester, with child-minding as often as possible.

"I have Lily as lot so Sarah can have a well-deserved night out and let her hair down," said 62-year-old Anne, of Elbury Park Road in Worcester.

"I take Lily to all sorts of places like the butterfly farm or she comes to my house and we paint and draw in the garden."

Anne is looking forward to having her grandsons stay with her later this month.

QUIET REMINSCERS

THESE grandparents spend little time, if any, with their grandchildren.

Bill and Peggy Dovey say their three grandchildren Simon, aged 24, and twins Claire and Stuart, 21, either have hectic social lives or live away, which means they are paid "flying visits" by the trio.

"Now they are older they have their own lives and we see them when they come home but it's a fleeting visit before they are off again," laughed 80-year-old Peggy, of Chapel Road in Kempsey, near Worcester, who has one son, Robert, aged 57.

"We're very proud of what they have achieved and look forward to seeing them and hearing about what they have all been up to.