A PIONEERING organisation aimed at supporting Bolton's weekend dads is being set up in Halliwell.

Saturday Fathers Together is the brainchild of social work student Andy Kearney, who got the idea after he became separated from his son, James' mother 13 years ago.

His son was just two-years-old at the time and he was faced with the problems of being a part-time dad.

He believes many fathers lose touch with their children because of the difficulties in finding somewhere to go and learning the practical aspects of caring for youngsters.

"It is about putting positive male interaction into children's lives," he said. Ten fathers have already signed up for the scheme, which Andy hopes to start in August, based at Wolfenden Community Centre in Halliwell. The fathers, with children aged from babies to 19-years-old will get together each Saturday with their children to swap information and offer mutual support.

Andy says many practical aspects of caring for a child can come as a shock to fathers as most times it is the mother who has taken responsibility.

"We hope to teach things like how to change a nappy and cover subjects such as healthy eating and some basic medical knowledge," said Andy, from Halliwell.

He stressed that the organisation he is founding is not anti-women, but will enable mothers to feel happier about the welfare of their children when they are in the care of fathers.

"It is not a sexist group. It is all about sharing the responsibility with the woman," he said.

Organisers of the scheme are currently applying for funding and hope the group will eventually grow, taking in other venues and dates.

Anyone interested in joining the group or has offers of funding can contact Andy on Bolton 01204 386479.