Fathers in the Broadland area look set to enjoy more family events and activities after a successful circus-themed fun day spawned a new volunteer group.

Norfolk County Council's Hoveton and Broadland Children's Centre joined forces with schools in Broadland to support dads to play and learn with their children and held the first event at Broadland High School recently.

Thirty dads attended the event and were asked for their views on what was needed in the area and what advice and support could help them in their role as fathers.

The event was so successful that the group have arranged to meet again at Hotel Wroxham next Monday, March 7, at 7.30pm and are inviting other local dads to attend.

Alison Thomas, cabinet member for children's services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'I am thrilled to see a local dad setting up his own group. Volunteering to bring together and support fathers is a brilliant example of the Big Society in action and something we want to see more of across the county.

'Our children's centres are aimed at bringing families together and supporting parents with advice and information about parenting, health and childcare.

'We want this to be aimed at mums and dads, as it is vitally important the role of dads is recognised and dads are encouraged to an active part in their children's lives from birth onwards.'

Meanwhile the success of the fun days run by the Children's Centre look set to continue as well, as Linda Bullimore, Norfolk County Council's Children's Centre practice co-ordinator said: 'The turnout and enthusiasm of local fathers has shown us there is a demand for more family activities supporting dads and encouraging them to get involved.

'Many of our current activities take place during the week and are attended mainly by mums but by expanding the range of events on offer and holding them outside of working hours we are able to support more members of the family to attend – both working dads and working mums.

'Our success is down to the strong partnerships that have been developed in the area with libraries, pre-school groups, schools and partners in the health service.'

The next fun day will take place at Broadland High School on Saturday March 26 from 10am to 1pm and will include craft and storytelling.

Anyone interested in attending either group should call Jordan Rumsby on 01603 784954 or email jordan.rumsby@norfolk.gov.uk