Penalty shoot-outs, a climbing wall and live music will be among the attractions at Oxford’s first Dads Go Wild event today.

Up to 300 people are expected to attend the celebration of fathers at South Oxford adventure playground, off Whitehouse Road.

The event has been designed to enable fathers to spend quality time with their children while learning more about father-friendly support groups across the county.

Dads Go Wild volunteer Martin Dowie, a 46-year-old father-of-one, said: "This event is about showing dads what is available to them, and also inspiring them to do the things they want to do with their children."

Several 'Saturdads' groups have been created across the county to enable fathers to spend more time with their children, but Mr Dowie, of Poplar Road, Botley, said there was still a bias towards women in childcare provision.

He said he hopes the event will help dads groups get to know each other so they can work more closely together in the future.

"There are quite a few facilities for the dads now. I think it is a question of making sure they know they are there," he added.

The event will include arts and crafts attractions, football workshops run by Oxford United coaches, music by South Parade and a barbecue.

The event, which runs from 10.30am to 3pm, has been organised by Donnington Children’s Centre and the Oxfordshire Parenting Forum. They are still looking for volunteers to help out.

Debi Redding, senior parent support coordinator, said: "There will be some really good activities going on for dads and their children. We have got the services up and running, it is just encouraging people to use them."

To volunteer, email debire @oxfordshire-parenting-forum. org.uk. To find out more about services for dads, visit oxondads.co.uk