MORE than a hundred fathers enjoyed a day of play with their children yesterday.

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

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

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

"Lots of people still perceive dads as mainly the breadwinner and mums 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 should be proud to be seen playing and caring for their youngsters."