A SCHEME to bring fathers and sons in Lancashire closer together has proved such a hit that it is being copied -- in Malta.

Lancashire's 'Dads and Lads' project links literacy with sporting activities to encourage fathers to become more involved in their child's education.

The project, which was introduced in Lancashire five years ago, has already attracted 5,000 pairs of lads and dads and it will now be shared with Maltese families.

Malta's British High Commissioner, Vincent Fearns, is originally from Burnley.

He heard about the scheme -- run by Lancashire County Council -- from the town, and has arranged for something to be set up.

Lancashire County Council's Parental Involvement and teaching Support will visit schools on the island after Christmas. The scheme is aimed at boys aged between four and 13 and, each week, dads take home an item of sporting equipment from their son's school to practise a skill with them and they also share a book and a poem.

In Lancashire, the scheme has been developed to include 'Dads and Lads Rugby' and 'Howzat Dads and Lads' - a cricket-based initiative - and plans are underway to develop a football-related activity.

Bernard Poole, one of two teaching advisers who run the project, said: "Our Parental Involvement and Teaching Support Team has been involved in a literacy scheme with six other countries and that's when the people from Malta became interested." Details are available from Bernard Poole or Nick Riley on 01257-246541.