NICE legs - shame about the pace.

These two local dads look fit and happy enough. But the smiles soon turned to gritted teeth when they were put through a gruelling Buggyfit session.

And men who have a little spare time (and a baby in a buggy) are being invited to take part in this year's charity event on Friday.

The annual Daddyfit class is run by health and fitness instructor Jo Rainsley of the Green Gym Company, and all proceeds will go to Julia's House.

Jo said: "Women have been enjoying our Buggyfit classes for some time now. A baby and a buggy are ideal exercise equipment and our sessions are the perfect way to lose those wobbly bits while you have fun and make friends at the same time.

"This Friday's Charity Daddyfit is a great chance for men to see what their women get up to, and hopefully realise that it's not just a walk in the park. It's great fun and for a very worthy cause.

"And as baby comes too, there's no need for sitters, crèches or excuses."

Chaps can expect to be thown into all manner of activities including power walking plus a mixture of cardio vascular, strengthening and toning exercises. It's highly effective for burning fat, improving posture, toning up and shifting that postnatal weight (which, let's face it, some dads get too!).

Local dad Richard O'Shea, who took part in the 2007 Daddyfit event said: "Last year was great fun. There were loads of us dads charging over the grass with buggies like a scene from Ben Hur!

"But there was a lot less chatting and more exercise than I was expecting. The mums obviously work hard in the Buggyfit classes.

"It's a great social occasion though, with plenty of banter in the club house afterwards.

"I will definitely take part again. Julia's House is such a worthy cause that really hits home when you are a parent."

The children's hospice complements the work of the Julia's House Community Team, which consists of 50 nurses and carers who travel the county, providing life-changing support for families in their own homes. In 2006, the charity provided more than 6,000 hours of care for Dorset's children.

"On Friday, all mums, dads, and babies in buggies are welcome," said Jo. "You don't have to have been before, and your level of experience doesn't matter as all kinds of people take part. In fact, all you need is baby, buggy, comfy clothes and trainers."

The Charity Class, in aid of Julia's House, takes place on Good Friday at 9.30am in Queens Park Golf Course. Please meet in the car park at 9.15am.

Prices are £8 per couple (or £4 if there is one of you) and every penny goes to the charity. For more information telephone 07808 470031 or visit greengymcompany.co.uk