TOO often these days we hear at the Diary the plaintive cry that all children want when they grow up is to be like their favourite celebrity.

But if the results of a are to be believed, perhaps they should start their search for a role model closer to home.

A survey of parents carried out by Parentline Plus asked 299 parents who they thought the top role model should be for their child and a solid 88 per cent of the vote said they would place themselves above a celebrity or a relative as the person they would most like to see their child turn into.

Parentline Plus runs a free confidential, 24-hour Parentline 0808 800 2222 offering parents support and advice.

Charity spokeswoman Suzie Hayman said: “Role models are important in a child’s life – whether that role model be Barack Obama, Angelina Jolie or mum and dad.

“It’s a natural part of growing up and of being an adult to recognise the qualities of a person you admire, and want to copy them.”