Three Jewish grandmothers have set up an online school class designed to give parents a break from childcare during the current Coronavirus crisis.

'Grandma School' is the brainchild of Mindy Wiesenberg, 63, from Hendon, north London, and her sisters Zena Behrman, 65, and Dina Gittier, 58, who joined forces to create the programme on Skype.

With schools closed and travel prohibited, retired teacher Mrs Wiesenberg and her two sisters pooled their knowledge to give their eight children, most of whom live in Israel, time off from parental duties.

With 29 grandchildren, aged between 17 months and 17 years, the trio are also using their invention to maintain contact with their loved ones.

Launching lessons on Monday, the online classes aim to "create an organised framework and timetable for the grandchildren by giving an online lesson once a day in a subject area that we were familiar with."

Schools across Britain shut their doors last Friday, with only the children of key workers now allowed to still attend.

In Israel schools closed over a week ago amid measures to curb the COVID-19 virus.

The education programme has been targeted primarily at the younger grandchildren of primary school age with lessons starting at 9.30am.

Mrs Wiesnberg told the Daily Mail: "Any grandparent with a hobby can use their knowledge to create an interesting activity session".

She called it an "opportunity for a unique and meaningful bonding".