MORE than a hundred dads enjoyed a day of play with their toddlers at the weekend.

Members of five Sure Start schemes met up at Ruff and Tumble play centre, in Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday to celebrate the father's place in the modern family.

Dads from Ferryhill and Chilton, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, Wear Valley, Wear Valley East and Darlington branches took part in the day and helped to break old stereotypes of the roles of parents.

Dad's worker for Sure Start Ferryhill, Heather Harkin, said: "It was the first time we've had that many dads and kids together and it was great fun.

"Lots of people still perceive dads as mainly the bread-winner and mams as the parent who looks after a child but I think that has changed.

"Lots of partners share both aspects or have reversed the old trend.

"These dads proved they enjoy spending time with their children and are happy to do everyday tasks to care for them.

"It was nice for them to see that lots of dads are now spending more time with children and they should be proud to be seen playing and caring for their youngsters."