Over-the-moon fathers and male carers, many of whom live in the shadows of St. Andrew's, were delighted to be invited on a tour of the stadium recently.

A couple of months ago Blues announced that they were teaming up with Daddy Longlegs, which helps to support and inspire dads and male carers in Small Heath, Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook, as part of the Our City, Our Vision initiative.

And last Friday no less than 15 of the local parents and guardians and volunteers from the charity arrived for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ground.

They all work hard to look after children aged eight or under and the visit was organised by the club to back Daddy Longlegs in the work they do to support and inspire fathers and male carers.

The stadium tour, led by Blues' very own knowledgeable guide Rick Coleman, gave them a welcome breather from their daily lives.

Racheal Baker of Daddy Longlegs says: "It's fantastic that Blues were willing to open the doors of St. Andrew's for the dads and male carers and give them a look behind the scenes.

"Many of them live in the shadows of the stadium and the majority of them are Blues fans too. Even the few that aren't still love football so it was amazing for them all.

"Having them engage with their local Premier League football club can only be a positive experience."

Daddy Longlegs aims to improve the emotional development and learning of the youngsters but also the family bonding between the child and their male carer.

This is delivered through innovative activities and sessions which encourage and support interaction and communication.

It is the brainchild of the Murray Hall Community Trust, a voluntary trust and registered charity managed by local people, and funded by the Parenting Fund.

Outreach workers deliver sessions through venues including libraries, community centres, schools and clubs.

For more information visit www.murrayhall.co.uk and click on the 'our projects' section.