DIY, setting up new TVs and providing a regular taxi service have been revealed as the three most popular 'dad skills' in Colchester.

Ahead of Father's Day, Tollgate surveyed 2,000 people to find out what their dads did best.

A total of 72 per cent said DIY was the best skill, with 28 per cent saying a less practical skill was telling 'dad jokes'.

It seems the way to a Colchester dad’s heart is through his stomach. Here are the top results for what sons and daughters felt their dads liked best.

  • A meal out (24 per cent)
  • Whisky (six per cent)
  • Beer (14 per cent)
  • Chocolates (11 per cent)

Nick Beckett, centre manager at Tollgate said: “Father’s Day is all about celebrating everything great about our dads. Our research shows that dads in Colchester have quite a range of skills for us to be thankful for.

“As Father’s Day quickly creeps up on us, we expect to see many shoppers visiting us to pick up their last minute gifts. It seems that local dads are pretty straight-forward to buy for, with socks, books, food and drink topping the most popular gifts list. We’re sure there’ll be a few quirky buys too though!”

The Fatherhood Institute, and British Land analysed the research. 

Father's Day is on Sunday, June 18.