A Co Down man has set up a group for dads to support each other and spend quality time with their children.
Col Bignell, who is originally from Watford but moved to Comber four years ago, created Dad Bods last month after becoming a dad to baby Monty just over eight weeks ago.
After becoming a first time dad, the 29-year-old realised he would love to join a group where he could meet other dads and carers in a relaxed setting to share tips, meet new friends, and give mum a break.
Read more: Co Antrim man's tribute to dad who died after brave cancer battle
When he couldn't find a group matching these needs, Col took matters into his own hands and started Dad Bods. After their first two events, membership is climbing with more dads getting involved.
"I became a dad for the first time eight weeks ago. I had a little son and thought I didn't really know many other dads around, I didn't have anyone I could share some tips with," Col told Belfast Live.
"I was looking for some groups mentioning dads and couldn't really find one, so decided I'd make one myself. Its something where dads can just come together, socialise and share tips together.
"Everyone who has been in touch has said they're so happy the group exists. Everyone who has joined has said they were struggling for places to socialise with other dads too, and it's good as it can give mums a break on a Sunday morning."
Each week, the group meet in different spots around Northern Ireland on a Sunday morning from 10 to 11am to do different activities. For their first outing, they went exploring around Scrabo Tower, while their second week saw them walking around the park at Stormont Estate.
Col said: "We change location every week so it's accessible for people who are in different areas, so if one week it doesn't suit you, it might next week. It means you also get to see parts of Northern Ireland you might not have visited before.
"Every week we try to do different activities. You can bring the kids along, it's a great chance for you to have one to one time with your little one too.
"The group is completely free. Kids are expensive enough as it is, so you can just turn up and join in."
To find out more about Dad Bods and get involved with their Sunday outings, you can follow them on Instagram by clicking here.
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