A pensioner says she is being prevented from seeing her only grandchildren until she has been vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Widow Bennie Hall, 77, returned to Leicester six months ago after 35 years living in Bermuda, to spend her final years near her family.

Since then she has seen her two grandchildren - who are in foster care - regularly at weekends.

But this week she was told the visits must stop until she is vetted for criminal convictions.

Grandchildren April, 13, and Harry, 12, were placed into the care of Derby social services when their parents' marriage broke up.

Mrs Hall, of Stoneygate, Leicester, today said she was devastated and puzzled by the decision to stop her seeing them.

Derby social services said the vetting was needed because Mrs Hall had asked to become a supervisor - a position of more responsibility - during visits between her son and grandchildren.

A spokeswoman said: "The changing role requested by Mrs Hall carries with it more responsibility, and required vetting.

"By contacting us she can quickly put the process in motion."