MICHAEL Wolf has been a single parent since he separated from his wife three years ago.

The 31-year-old, of Raleigh Avenue, Walcot, gave up his job as a chef to look after his two sons, Lloyd, four, and Jordan, three.

Michael says isolation can be a problem for single parents, but points out that help is available.

He regularly visits the Walcot Family Centre, where he enjoys socialising with other lone parents and has taken parenting courses.

He urged more single parents to seek help from support groups.

He said: "Because of my personality, I went out and found what help was available, but I think a lot of lone parents, especially young women, don't realise what is out there."

He said single parents had to contend with negative attitudes, especially from the older generation. He added: "It's not so bad for me, but I think a lot of older and middle-aged people tend to look down on young women who are single parents.

"They assume they can't cope.

"I don't think there are any major disadvantages to bringing up children in a single parent household.

"My children have never really known anything different it's not unusual for them."