Men are not often left holding the baby, but when they are it can seem like a woman's world.

Edd Edgell, from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, is determined to change that and has set up a group to support fathers and male child carers.

Fathers' Time is held on Tuesday mornings at the Pinehurst Peoples Centre, in Beech Avenue.

The inaugural meeting attracted six dads.

Edd, the fathers' development worker based at the North Swindon Family centre, said: "It's encouraging to see a good number at the initial meeting.

"We recognised that so many groups catered purely for mothers, and while men are welcome to attend, they tend to be in the minority.

"Guys don't seem to get access to a lot of support sessions so we thought it was about time something was done."

The meetings are open to any man involved in childcare, including single and married fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and male nannies.

Dave Parsons, 34, of Burbage Road, Penhill, recently became paralysed from the waist down.

The father-of-four said: "During an epileptic fit in September 2002 I dislodged a couple of vertebrae. Consequently I've been left in a wheelchair and have had to leave my job.

"But it hasn't been all bad because I get to spend so much more time with my children."

Dave's youngsters, Jamie, 13, Becky, 11, Ashleigh, three, and Shayne, 22 months, have adapted to the change in circumstances well.

Dave said: "At first I just wanted to die but I soon realised I still had loads to live for. My wife Helen told me I still had four kids who needed a dad, and she still loved me so I got my act together.

"This group gives me another outlet and it's fantastic. We can come here and talk, read a newspaper and let our kids play together.

"You get other perspectives too. After our third child was born my wife suffered from baby blues, which I couldn't understand.

"Now I can use my experiences to help other dads going through similar situations."

Dave Hutton, 41, of Imber Walk, Penhill, is another dad who says he and 20-month-old son William will be keeping Tuesday mornings free.

Dave, an unemployed warehouse worker, said: "The meeting is relaxed. It's about time fathers were catered for. I'll encourage other dads in the area to join in."

Sessions cost 50p. Call Edd for details on Swindon 705810 or email davepars@yahoo.co.uk