Ref. 25812-23Househusband Paul Hemming, 35, has been attending Fathers' Time with son Thomas, three, since the sessions began 11 weeks ago.

Paul, of Lilac Court in Pinehurst, who also has a seven-year-old daughter Danielle, says that he and his partner, Rebecca, 32, enjoy spending time with the children in the school holidays.

"The children love digging in the garden," he said.

"I'm a fan of the Channel 4 show Time Team, but they would rather get out there and dig than watch television.

"We don't really have a big enough garden for a sandpit but they seem happy playing around in the soil."

Rebecca works full time as a care assistant at Rose Cottage Nursing Home in Haydon Wick.

When she is off work, they like to make the most of their free time together.

He said: "We enjoy going to the parks to play football, or to Coate Water.

"This year we are going to try to treat the children to a few day trips to the seaside.

"It'll cost about £40 so it's not too bad. It's just nice for us to get away from Swindon and for the children to see a different environment for a change."

Thomas said: "I like playing with my cars. I have some cars at home. The jeep is my favourite because it goes fast."

Contact numbers

Fathers' Time development worker, Edd Edgell (01793) 705810, or e-mail dave.pars@ntlworld.com

For library information e-mail rdouglass@swindon.gov.uk, or call (01793) 463238.

The Link Centre, in Whitehill Way, Westlea (01793) 445566.

Coate Water Pitch and Putt (01793) 522837.

Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue (01793) 445401.

Dorcan Recreation Complex, St Paul's Drive, Covingham (01793) 533763.

Highworth Golf Centre, Swindon Road (01793) 766014.

Delta Tennis Centre, Delta Business Park, Welton Road, Westlea (01793) 445555.