TODAY is a Father's Day in Middlesbrough - with a difference.

The town is host to a conference on the role of dads in families.

Mark Collins, who works with fathers in SureStart projects in central Middlesbrough, said: "It is an opportunity for people working with families to get a better understanding of the role dads, father figures and male carers can play; the skills they need and how they can be supported as parents regardless of their situation or age.''

The one-day conference, with accompanying workshops, at the Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre will deal with how dads can prepare for fatherhood and how they can work with maternity services, health professionals, nurseries and schools to give their youngsters the best start in life.

It will even look at the topic of post-natal depression among fathers.

The event has been organised by groups, including SureStart, under the title of Working with Fathers in the Tees Valley. It is at Middlesbrough Teaching and Learning Centre, Tranmere Avenue from 8:45am to 3:45pm today.

Mr Collins said: "The workshops will explore some key topics. One is the issue of post-natal depression among dads, which it's now acknowledged does happen, what causes it and how can the risk be minimised."

Speakers include Tom Beardshaw, network director of Fathers Direct and Roger Olley, director of Father Work Children NE. Danny Cobain, who runs a SureStart fathers' club in Middlesbrough, will conduct workshops.