AN organisation that provides crucial support for fathers is expanding into the North-East.

Families Need Fathers (FNF), a nationwide organisation which started in London, provides legal advice, parenting support and help for fathers - and for mothers.

The group is working with the newly-established group, in Darlington, to bring support meetings to the North-East.

David Regan, who started the Father's Network, said: "I am working with FNF, which is a charitable organisation, to bring it into the region.

"There are already 42 members in the North-East. Basically they get together and talk about their experiences, offering invaluable advice to each other. The meetings are open to women as well."

The region's first monthly FNF meeting will be held in Darlington Arts Centre on August 4, at 7pm. Each month a meeting will be held in either Darlington or Sunderland.

For more information about the organisation visit the website on www.fnf.org.uk