PARENTS are being put under more financial strain than ever by their grown-up children who refuse to fly the nest.

A building society survey showed that the number of young adults living at home has gone up by 20 per cent since the '50s.

Less than a third of eldest children over 17 pay for their upkeep, and up to half of young adults also rely on their parents' generosity once they do move on.

It's no wonder many stay at home. They have it easy, getting everything done for them and earning loads of cash which they don't contribute to funds.

I know of 20 somethings earning in the teens of thousands of pounds, who live the life of Riley while still at home.

They cough up £20 a week, the rest going on flash cars, designer clothes, clubbing and holidays.

Nice if you can get it.

There seems to be no hard and fast rules about coming and going as they please - gone are the days of being ruled by a heavy parental hand.

Of course, in the case of uni students, they leave full-time educations with debts to pay off.

I'm sure many really don't wish to return home, but have little choice.

Once you've flown the nest, it's always hard to go back.

Of course, the price of homes may have something to do with it.

Imagine wanting to stay in the capital and having to fork out a cool quarter of a million for a two up, two down.

I don't think so.

That's one advantage for northerners who ventured south years ago.

They can make a killing in the property market, head back north when they're ready with a shedful of brass and live in luxury.

It certainly can't be done the other way round.

Anyway, most parents will always help, they always have and always will.

I'd like to thank mine for the support they still give me - even at my age!!