A Darlington scheme to encourage dads and male carers to spend more time with their children is celebrating a successful first year.

The Saturday SureShots football sessions were set up at the McNay Street Children's Centre to give men a chance to spend time with their children.

Children's Centres offer advice and support to families with children under five-years-old.

The centres bring together childcare, health care, training and advice under one roof.

There are four centres in Darlington, with plans for more to open.

SureShots has been running every Saturday morning for the past year at the McNay Street centre, with more than 20 dads, carers and children enjoying each session.

The Saturday morning fun sessions are based around football and encourage fathers to play with their young children.

The sessions also promote children's co-ordination, diet, exercise, counting, colour recognition, language development and social interaction.

Since the SureShots group was formed, a number of trips have been arranged, including one to watch Darlington FC in action, visits to the theatre and an educational visit to a local farm.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "SureShots gives dads a chance to spend some quality time with their young children and find out what the McNay Children's Centre has to offer the whole family.

"The sessions provide an ideal opportunity for families to exercise together and have fun."

The sessions take place between 11am and noon on Saturdays at the Willow Road Community Centre.

For more information about the sessions or other services the centre can provide, call (01325) 487718.