DADS are rocking out at a new playground aimed at male carers.

Fed up at the lack of services run by fathers, for fathers, Thomas Lynch and David Marshall decided to found their own group.

Dad's Rock is now flourishing, with nearly 300 families taking part Scotland-wide - and now they've set up in Glasgow.

Thomas said: "David and I had young children around the same age and we were talking about how there weren't any playgroups just for dads or male carers.

"We thought to ourselves, 'how hard can it be to set one up?' and founded our first group in Edinburgh.

"We now have several men-only playgroups around the country and rock music classes for parents and children.

"There was nothing like this in Glasgow so we've set up a Saturday morning group through here and it's proving really popular so far."

The group, held at the Abercromby Business Centre on Abercromby Street, welcomes all male carers - such as dads, grandads and uncles.

Children aged birth to five are catered for, with the youngest Dad's Rocks member being five weeks old.

Working with the east end-based PEEK Project, the group has play, snack time and - to set them apart from other playgroups - a rock-themed sing-a-long.

Thomas said: "Surprisingly, we don't have many single dads, or 'contact dads' as they're sometimes known.

"It's mostly dads who do have partners but who want to spend time on their own with their children and getting to know other dads.

"I do think that mums and dads talk about the same things, with regards to their children, but it's not always easy to go along to a playground when you know it's going to be all women and you as the only man.

"More and more dads are taking on childcare responsibilities and are looking to be more engaged with their children.

"Dad's Rock gives stops men feeling marginalised when it comes to caring for children and is a great chance for one-to-one time with their wee ones - with rock music as a fun extra."

Dad Grant McCabe joined the east end Dad's Rock group as soon as he heard about it.

He enjoys spending time with three-year-old Caoimhe - and giving mum Lisa a break.

Grant, 36, said: "As soon as I heard about the group I thought it would be good to go along.

"Playgroups aren't meant to be just for mums but when you go along to them it's usually rare to find any other men there.

"Dad's Rock is time I can spend with my wee girl, which I really enjoy, and it's great to meet up with other dads.

"I know that other dads feel a wee bit out of place when there are 10 or 12 mums and you're the only dad who's sloped along - it can be hard to mix in.

"At Dad's Rock we sing We Will Rock You at the end - that's a wee bit different from other playgroups.

"My wee girl loves it."

The Saturday morning Glasgow Dad's Rock group runs from 11am until 12.30pm.

For more information see www.dadsrock.org.uk