Children really do need fathers, a new report concludes.

The study, commissioned by four charities, suggests that children whose father is actively involved in their upbring are at less risk of committing a crime and more likely to do well at school. Fathers also boost a child's social and language skills.

The report, entitled What Good Are Dads, produced by Fathers Direct, the National Family and Parenting Institute, Newpin Fathers Support Centre and Working with Men, in time for Father's Day this Sunday, says that a parent's gender is less important than qualities such as warmth and kindness.

Among the findings were that fathers are the children's main carers in a third of dual-income families.

Author of the report Professor Charlie Lewis, of Lancaster University, said: "The old picture of most fathers simply being breadwinners is inaccurate, as dads step in more and more to take over the tasks left by mothers at work.

"However, our research also shows the problems dads have in fulfilling their caring role, working the longest hours in Europe and often lacking self-confidence."

The report also highlights evidence from various reports including: