Assembly Hall Theatre and The Dad Network prepare to road test baby and toddler products

Hundreds of baby and toddler products are set to be put to the test - by a group of dads in Kent.

The Assembly Hall Theatre in Royal Tunbridge Wells is preparing to host part of the judging process for The Dad Network Product Awards.

This is the second time the awards have taken place - and brands still have time to make submissions should they want to be included.

Al Ferguson, a stay-at-home-dad, founded The Dad Network as an online hub aimed solely at fathers to allow them to discuss and focus on the unique challenges they face. Around 5,000 are now in the network.

The Dad Network says the awards are important as a growing number of men take on a greater and more involved day-to-day parenting role.

The awards begin with brands entering baby and toddler products from highchairs to toys, baby slings to sleeping aids.

Samples will then be sent to the testing facility at The Assembly Hall Theatre where a group of dads will put the products through their paces and give them a score on October 22.

Those with the highest scores in each category are then put to a public vote before winners are announced in a virtual awards ceremony online.

Al Ferguson, founder of The Dad Network said: "Dads now take a far more active role in family life.

"The awards give dads a voice to say what they think about products on the market."

If you would like to find out more about The Dad Network Product Awards and how you could get involved click here.