Fathers who don't help in the care of their young children are more likely to hurt them as they grow up, a conference heard.

Steve Biddulph, an internationally renowned author of parenting books including "Raising Boys", spoke at the "Involving Fathers' conference" organised by children's charity Barnardo's.

Mr Biddulph told the Bradford conference that fathers are unclear as to what their role should be.

"That stems from the industrial revolution when fathers went out to work and mothers stayed at home with the children.

"Men have typically been seen as a walking wallet although things are changing and the next generation want to have a role in their children's upbringing but don't know how, this is what this conference hopes to address."

"Taking part in the nurturing of children helps to form a bond between father and child.

"If this bond doesn't develop fathers are more likely to harm their children because they don't feel close to them or they may be jealous of the relationship the child has with its mother," he said

Born in Redcar, Mr Biddulph has worked as a psychologist for more than 25 years and has sold more than three million copies of his books, all focusing on the role of the father in the home.

"According to international research fathers who are involved in changing nappies, bathing their children and reading to them at bedtime are also less likely to divorce," he added.

Tony Parry, children services manager at Barnardo's in Leeds, who organised the conference, said: "The aim of the event is to bring professionals together to combat issues relating to fatherhood and exchange experiences and ideas.

"Typically it has been very difficult for them to engage fathers and we hope to provide ideas that will remedy this.

"We need to show fathers how to play a vital role in their children's upbringing and how an active involvement can help to prevent problems of self- esteem in children," he added