Parents with young ­children are turning to their own mothers and fathers for financial advice, with three-quarters of grandparents offering such guidance to their offspring, according to a new survey.

However, nearly one-third, 31%, said they believed their grown-up children appreciated being given hard cash rather than advice. Some 33% of the 1026 people questioned said it was easier to hand over money, with 20% saying they preferred just to offer their opinions on financial matters.

The poll also showed grandparents save more than £2 billion a year for their grandchildren's future.