A MOBILE phone app which offers help and advice to new fathers has been created by a Glasgow student.

Ryan Forbes developed 'Da' to help plug what a gap in support for first time fathers adjusting to life after a baby.

The app aims to connect fathers with other new dads, features advice about night time routines, stories from other parents, mental health support and a directory of resources on parenting.

Ryan, 22, a digital design student at Glasgow Caledonian University, built a prototype of the app for the RSA Student Design Awards under the brief  "sleep matters”.

Ryan, who isn’t a parent, came up with the idea after reading how new mums and dads lose almost 1000 hours of sleep in the first year of having a baby.

He said: “The app is designed to give new dads general advice on fatherhood and give them a community of new fathers, so they’re not alone in their new role.

“There is a lot apps out there for mums, and other online support like Facebook groups, but there’s not a lot out there for guys, and I want to change that.

“I wanted to create something that could be used to improve health and wellbeing by encouraging better sleep.

“I was a bit concerned the name Da wouldn’t translate to other countries, or even down in England, but I like the humorous aspect to it and I think it will work well.”

Ryan, who is from East Kilbride, plans to further develop the app when he graduates in the summer.

Professor Bruce Wood, Director of the Centre for Creative Industries at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: "The relevance of GCU creative students is clear for all to see. Whether it's working with organisations which are involved in hi-tech industries, or charities operating locally and internationally, GCU creative students are delivering a real impact across a wide sector of society.