FATHERS and their children enjoyed a special day of fun together with the first Witney Dads’ Group.

Dozens of fathers took their children to the Cotswold Wildlife Park in nearby Burford on Saturday to celebrate the launch.

Justin Hayward, 38, a volunteer from Witney Children’s Centre and father of Angus, eight, and Lilya, 12, said he set up the group because there was nothing for dads to do with their kids in the town.

He added: “All the groups seem to be centred around the mothers, so I decided to do something about it.

“There was a slightly smaller turnout than expected, but it is just the launch —we will be organising plenty more activities for the future.”

Tian Smith, 27, from Hailey, near Witney, took children Phoebe, two, and eight-month-old George along to the day.

He said: “I think it’s really important to make time, especially in today’s climate.

“We’re all guilty of it — but this is time you’re not going to get back.”

The Witney Dads’ Group is planning many more activities for fathers in the town to join in with their children.

For more information call 01993 774721.