POSTMAN Jim Pearson overcame his own grief to bring up his three daughters when his wife died of a brain tumour.

Now, Mr Pearson, 47, of Blakelaw, Newcastle, has been chosen as the North-East regional winner in the Single Mum/Dad of the Year Awards for 2001, organised by women's weekly magazine That's Life!.

Mr Pearson's daughters, Sarah, Danielle and Natalie were 17, 14 and nine when their mother died, two years ago.

Mr Pearson said: "I was determined to be strong for the girls, but life without Kath is incredibly hard. I never realised just how hard a woman's work is around the home.

"It's also difficult to talk to the girls about boyfriends and personal things. I wish Kath was here to advise. It's really a woman they need, but I think I'm coping quite well."

Mr Pearson's daughters agree. Sarah, now 19, said: "My parents had been married for 23 years and loved each other dearly.

"I didn't think my dad would be able to cope emotionally when my mam died. I imagined he'd break down, but he's been a tower of strength.

"He's doing a wonderful job. He never lets any of us go without, and we can always talk to him."

Now there's a new life bringing hope and happiness to the family - Mr Pearson's first grandchild, Lily. Eldest daughter Sarah, who lives with her partner, Mark, gave birth to Lily in May.