THE Northern Echo this week unveils the latest signing to its team of star columnists: novelist Helen Cannam.

Helen, who has 22 published novels with another due out next year, will write a fortnightly column on the joys -and frustrations - of being a grandmother, starting in The Northern Echo tomorrow.

She is a vicar's daughter, who has lived in the North-East since 1966, and who is known for her historical and contemporary novels.

Her latest book, Lifelines, will be published by Seven House in February.

Married to Tim for 35 years, she has a daughter and a son, and one grandson, Jonah, who celebrated his second birthday last weekend.

But with her grandson living in London, and Helen at home in County Durham, the frustration comes in not seeing him as often as she would like, although she spent six months living with her son and daughter-in-law, helping to look after Jonah.

"It is wonderful to be a gran," she said.

"I saw a piece which said the difference between being a mother and gran is like the difference between a love affair and a marriage, and I think there is a lot of truth in that. I am utterly besotted with him.

"You have got more patience and time for things, and you know other grandparents from the light in their eyes as soon as you mention grandchildren."

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said he was delighted to welcome Helen as a columnist.

He said: "Helen manages to capture what it means to be a grandmother, and how grandchildren bring light into our lives.

"And when so many grandparents live far away from their grandchildren, her experiences will strike a chord with many people.

"I'm sure our readers will quickly take her to their hearts."