A GROUP aiming to highlight the importance of fathers as role models is hoping to build on its success this year.

Dads Aloud was set up in Chester-le-Street in 2003, to offer fathers the chance to spend time with their youngsters in a range of activities, such as football. The group also organises day trips.

It is run by Roseann Szomoru, full service schooling co-ordinator for The Hermitage, Bullion Lane Primary and Newker Primary schools in Chester-le-Street and Sure Start Chester-le-Street.

Mrs Szomoru said: "It is going really well. We started off with just a handful and now we have more than 40 dads and 70 kids registered."

The group has won £7,000 in funding from the Local Network Fund and the Children's Fund.

It is inviting members and other interested fathers to its annual general meeting, which is taking place in Chester-le-Street Community Centre, Newcastle Bank, on January 23, starting at 7pm.