TOMORROW is the day dads should be feeling extra special. But, for an increasing number of men, Father's Day is merely a reminder of the sadness and loneliness of their situation.

A new study has shown almost one in five first-born babies starts life without a father at home.

So while most dads will be looking forward to a new pair of socks and breakfast in bed, others might be hoping for just an hour or so with their children.

Edd Edgell, from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said children who grew up with both parents showed better social skills than their single-parent counterparts.

Mr Edgell, 54, the fathers' development worker based at the North Swindon Family centre, said: "The new research is really sad, that so many babies are starting out without their dads.

"It's very important that we do celebrate Fathers' Day as fathers generally do want to be involved in their children's lives.

"I have two children and Father's Day has always been a celebrated day."

Mr Edgell set up Fathers' Time, a group to support fathers and male child carers, last year.

He said: "We have a core group of about 10 dads.

"Men are just as interested as women in what little Johnny's done at nursery.

"In the last couple of years people have suddenly started to recognise dads have an important role.

"We encourage dads-to-be to attend ante-natal classes with their partners as this helps create more of a connection with their child from the very beginning.

"We don't have figures to show whether more dads are attending such classes or groups as we haven't been running long, but roughly 95 per cent of fathers are turning up, which is great."

Teenage dads are just as eager to take part in their children's lives, despite the common belief to the contrary.

Ian Prestwich, of Swindon Primary Care Trust's teenage pregnancy team, said: "Younger dads find themselves up against discrimination purely because of their age.

"They might not necessarily feel that they are too young or irresponsible themselves but it is other people who tend to view them as reckless or irresponsible."

Father-of-two Lee Bennett, 19, of West Swindon, says more should be done to recognise the importance of fathers.

Lee, who has two daughters, 20-month-old Jessica, and nine-month-old Emily, is currently exhibiting a video in Bristol which gives a voice to his feelings.

He said: "I interviewed Damon Albarn, from Blur, who's a dad, which was great. He also thinks more recognition should go to dads.

"I can't wait for Father's Day. It's really important that our role is regarded as just as important as a mother's."

Fathers' Time is held on Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Pinehurst People Centre, in Beech Avenue. Admission is 75p.

Alex Emery