A BUSINESSMAN, carpenter and London commuter all returned to the classroom to see first-hand what their children do at school.

About 15 dads took part in the 'Dads Into Schools Day' at St Mark's C of E Junior School in Shirley.

They took it in turns to read to groups of children throughout the day as well as listen to youngsters tell their own stories. Dad David Gordon, whose son Harris is in Year 5, said: "It was a real eye-opener. I was amazed how comfortable I felt with the children." Head teacher at the 300-pupil school Anne Steele-Arnett came up with the idea: "It was really nice having new visitors into the school and many of them had taken the day off work to come in.

"They all had school dinners and enjoyed a football kickabout with the children."

After the success more dates are planned for dads to have another chance to come in and experience life at the Stafford Road school.