A BUSINESSWOMAN turned carer who juggles working at the family firm with looking after her elderly mum is up for the Tele's 'Mum in a Million' prize.

Hard-working Lynne McArthur has been nominated by daughters Fiona, Heather and granddaughter Mia for being the glue that holds the family together.

Along with husband Ken, she ran the Ulla gift shop in West Blackhall Street for almost a decade but they pulled the shutters down five years ago to spend more time with each other after Ken suffered a heart attack.

Far from early retirement, Lynne, 51, has been an integral part in helping eldest daughter Fiona, 28, launch successful Brougham Street-based estate agency, McArthur Scott, and is a devoted gran to Heather's one-year-old girl, Mia.

She was also the pillar of the family following the death of her brother and sister in quick succession and is now the full-time carer for her own mum, as well as helping to look after her aunt following the loss of her son.

Lynne, who lives in Newton Street, was nominated for the Tele competition by daughter Heather, 27.

She said: "We also have two dogs and mum gets up at 5am every morning to walk them before the day even starts for the rest of us.

"She doesn't do anything for herself, it's always for someone else and she never complains."

Lynne's other daughter, Fiona, explained why she believes her mum is one in a million.

She said: "She's been so instrumental with the business."

The Telegraph's search for Inverclyde's top mum will see the winner rewarded with a luxury afternoon tea at the Tontine Hotel, mouth-watering sweet treats from The New Chocolate Company, a beautiful bouquet from Joseph Harley Flowers and a manicure and spray tan courtesy of beauty salon Be Reem.

Modest Lynne says she is chuffed to be nominated.

She said: "It's just what a mother should do.

"My whole life has been like this, it's never been any different. "When Heather told me she'd nominated me, I started crying.

"I know they love me to bits the same as I love them to bits."

To nominate a 'Mum in a Million', email editorial@greenocktelegraph.co.uk by Thursday March 21 telling us why your mum - or someone you know - should win the prize and include your name and daytime telephone number.