In a relaxed environment, they enjoy a cup of tea and a chat, whilst sharing the pictures they have snapped that week. But behind this picture lies a more important story ... all of the participants in the class are dads.

In fact, with most support for families aimed at mums it's a rare sight for dads to be involved in these types of activities at all.

Dads and Cameras was set up to try to re-dress this imbalance.

Under the direction of local support worker John Docherty, the project gives dads the opportunity to have a break one night a week and pursue an activity in which they have an interest.

Crawford Dargie (43), from Maddiston, is a father of three and has been going along to the club for nearly two years.

''I am not really a drinker and, in Maddiston, there really only is the pub for you to go to,'' he said. ''I only heard about the club by chance when I was chatting to John about something else and he mentioned it.

"Some of the others say there are other camera clubs where there is a lot of snobbery, but it's not like that here. The atmosphere is more like a social club. We can all just have a sit down and a blether and then go somewhere to take some pictures."

David Parley (47), from Grangemouth, is a father of four and has been attending the class since last year.

''I heard about it when I was at centre for something else and saw the notice about the camera club starting,'' he explained. ''I thought, 'Why not just go along for a change?'

''It's a friendly place where you can all meet up. No one acts like a professional, so it's all very laid back.''

While the club provides a place for a chat, it has also allowed them to improve their camera skills and inspired a surge of creativity – to the extent a website recently went online to showcase some of the group's work.

"I always try and think a little out the box when we do a project," explains Crawford. ''So, when we were given the theme of spring, I found an old spring and took a picture of it in a burn and named it 'Springburn'."

David added: "When you come in every week, it's amazing to see people taking all these interesting pictures, and it just shows how every individual sees something differently."

Along with cameras and studio equipment, the club can offer the expertise and advice of volunteers like Norma McLeod.

Founder of Livingston Camera Club and with vast experience teaching about photography, Norma has been helping at the class for the last few years.

''I am there to help people make the best use of the camera and give any technical advice, but I'm also an ideas person,'' she said.

''Some of these people have to deal with personal or family problems and it gives them the opportunity of having an hour-and-a-half to themselves.''

From her position on the course she has witnessed at first-and some of the positive spin-offs.

''I really enjoy seeing people coming out of themselves and getting enthusiastic about what they are doing,'' she said.

''It also gives them more ideas for doing things with their kids. If they are going somewhere to get photos they can also link it together with a day out."

Those on the course certainly feel they have taken a lot from the classes.

"It's been great just meeting other people and my photography has certainly improved," said David.

"I have recently gone through a divorce and just being able to go along and have a chat with John has really helped me cope."

Crawford added: "Now I am always looking around for a good picture while I am on the go – my wife sometimes says that I am married to the camera instead of her!

''But my eldest son has also become interested and likes to take the camera out too.

"I have actually got some landscape pictures that I took of the highlands in the winter published.''

With such enthusiasm, it seems certain locals will be seeing plenty more from the club's budding snappers.

''If the club is still there I can see myself going for years,'' said David.

Crawford added: "I am thinking about doing it for living, but I know it's difficult so I'll maybe start out part-time.

"If I hadn't been to the class I probably wouldn't be thinking about it. Before, all my photos would have just been being put away and never seen."

The club is always on the lookout for new members. Those interested should contact Maddiston Family Centre on (01324) 711271 or visit the club's website www.dadsandcameras.co.uk

m.henderson@falkirkherald.co.uk