WORLD Cup fever may have rendered dads inactive at present, but you may be surprised to learn how much the average father does in return for a pair of socks on Father's Day.

Although most dads probably think they are priceless, new research has tried to work out exactly how much they save their families by performing unpaid roles around the house.

The survey by cahoot, Abbey National's online bank, shows that, as well as earning a large proportion of the family's income for his children to waste on sweets and computer games, the much-maligned dad can continue to save them huge amounts throughout their lives.

Through a combination of chauffeuring, plumbing, babysitting, gardening and other chores, the average dad in the Midlands saves his family £517.25 a week - that's a staggering £2,069 a month.

In London, where families have to pay so much more for the privilege of breathing in the city's filthy air, this figure rises to £3,592 a month. Suddenly, you see your father in a whole new light.

"As well as giving us love and support, our research clearly shows how dads can be an invaluable and under-appreciated asset," said Deborah Cutler, head of brand marketing and acquisition at cahoot.

"Despite this, Mother's Day always seems to be remembered more than Father's Day, and to redress the balance we've calculated how much our dads save us in time, trouble and serious amounts of cash."

Another survey for dads to point at the next time they get nagged has been conducted by the telephone and internet bank, first direct.

There would appear to be more New Men out there than it was previously thought. The research reveals that 91 per cent do the washing up, 88 per cent do the food shopping, 85 per cent help out with the housework and 76 per cent help with the laundry.

And, before the nation's mums choke on their tea, it does not end there. As well as keeping the house clean almost single-handedly, the remarkable English father plays a key role in bringing up his children.

Once the housework is done, 77 per cent act as chauffeurs to their children, with 52 per cent saying they do this for two hours or more each week.

Dads with young children return from a hard day's work to spend an average of 11 hours a week playing with them. Remember that when you moan about having to splash out on a dodgy tie or some cheap aftershave this weekend.

"Men are contributing more to the family than ever before," said Matthew Higgins, head of research at first direct.

"The majority consider themselves to be a 'modern' man. They are happy to be more involved in all aspects of family life."

With this in mind, the following websites may help you to find a rather more imaginative gift than usual for your dad.

www.shop-for-dad.com

In conjunction with Amazon.com, this has gift suggestions handily broken down into groups such as "Kid at Heart" to "Impossible".

www.memorisethis.com

Offers everything from a flight in a Tiger Moth plane to a Kung Fu Hamster.

www.buy-a-star.com

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Buy the name of a star for your dad this Father's Day. No doubt he will be cock-a-hoop.

n www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk

More ideal, useful gifts such as an indoor helicopter or an office voodoo kit.

n www.shopping.msn.co.uk

Another site selling the Kung Fu Hamster. Also has a Star Wars chess set for the more sensible man.

n www.expressions.co.uk

Not for every dad, perhaps, but some might appreciate being sent flowers or a "balloon in a box."