Many children know little about their grandparents when it comes to their past, a new study has revealed.

The survey, which was carried out by housebuilders McCarthy and Stone, showed that, in St Albans, 41 per cent of young people were unsure whether their grandparents had any special skills while 42 per cent couldn’t name their grandparents’ careers.

It comes as part of the ‘Inspirational Generation’ campaign, which encourages younger generations to connect with their elders.

A total of 1,000 people in the district aged five to 18 were surveyed as part of the project but just 16 per cent said they were unlikely to spend more time with their grandparents in order to find out more about them.

The study found that children in St Albans were least likely to talk to their grandparents about history or their experiences growing up.

Gloria Hunniford, who is supporting the builder’s campaign, said this was a great shame and that she hopes to see the trend reversed.

She said: “I absolutely love being a grandparent, and I am incredibly lucky to have family who are forever asking lots of questions – both about my past and the things I’m up to now.

“I love watching their reactions when I tell them stories going back to my youth. It really is lovely to take them with me down memory lane from time to time.

“I would urge people of all generations to get talking. Next time you see your grandparents, ask them about their past and what they got up in their younger days.

“I’m pretty sure they will have a fascinating and inspiring story to tell, and they will be thrilled to be able to share it with you.”

The results from the survey came in spite of the fact that many young people in St Albans live close to their grandparents and see them regularly.

Almost a third live within 15 minutes of their grandparents while a similar number said they see them at least once a week.

But more than one in ten surveyed said they would be more likely to see their grandparents under the promise of receiving pocket money, while more than 40 per cent admitted to visiting following pressure from their parents.

Stephen Rolt, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone North London, said: “We find it really surprising that the younger generation is not benefitting from the knowledge and capabilities of their grandparents.

“We know this generation have lived full lives with heroic tales to tell and so much to offer, but how many of us have actually thought to ask these questions of our older family members?

“We want to shout about the amazing feats retirees have achieved in their lifetime and put the spotlight on the wonderfully colourful lives of today’s older people.

“We are calling on parents and children in St Albans to talk to their grandparents, find out what they have done in their lives – and continue to do – and tell us all about it so we can give them the credit they deserve.”

The housebuilders is looking for people to nominate their unsung heroes for awards as part of its ‘Inspirational Generation’ campaign.

Visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/inspirational for more information. The deadline for entries is April 1.