A NESTON RAF Flight Sergeant working abroad on Father's Day was able to make sure his two sons still got their bedtime story.

Wayne Swiggs, of Curlcroft Road, is one of many RAF parents who use the StoryBook Wings initiative, which enables him to record himself reading his children's favourite stories so they can still hear his voice when they are apart.

The recordings, including The Gruffalo and the Hungry Caterpillar, allow his kids Archie and Charlie, aged four and six, to listen to their dad on a completed CD at any time they like.

“It is always tough being away from my family, so I am glad that my sons were able to hear my voice on Father’s Day," said the 38-year-old.

"I would recommend the Storybook Wings programme to all serving RAF parents with young children to help keep them happy and reassured during time spent apart.

"Both my family and I have found it invaluable for maintaining a connection whenever I have been away on duty.”

His wife Emma Swiggs, 37, said: "The kids absolutely love it and it is great to hear their daddy's voice. It is very reassuring for the boys.

"One of us reads to Archie or Charlie every night and then we swap over, so when we are away we can keep that going with me in one room and the audio in another.

"It is a really cute idea and great they can have that contact with their dad, who can be away for days or weeks at a time with his job. Keeping this routine is very important and a great idea."

The RAF Association provides recording equipment to serving RAF parents for them to record their chosen stories which is then sent to their children in a personalised cover.

Lisa Thipthorp, of the RAF Association, said this initiative has helped more than 2,600 families keep in touch on Father's Day and other occasions.

"Many of the children find the recordings a real comfort during periods of absence which can be confusing and upsetting for them. This helps to bring mums and dads 'home' for at least a little while," she said.

For more information visit www.rafa.org.uk/storybook.