BLACKBURN Rovers star Robbie Savage is fronting a campaign to promote family unity during the World Cup.

The Welsh midfielder is supporting the Parent Know How campaign, launched by the department for education and skills to inspire mums and dads to get more involved in children's lives.

Savage has joined celebrities including former Blue Peter presenter Diane-Louise Jordan and Ready Steady Cook star Lesley Waters to promote the campaign.

Parent Know How also advises on how to interest children in keeping fit and learning through the World Cup.

Robbie said: "Kicking a ball about with your kids before watching the match is a great way to build up excitement before kick off and an ideal opportunity for families to keep fit and have fun together."

The scheme marks the first time the UK's top parenting bodies, including the National Family and Parenting Institute, Save the Children and the NSPCC, have come together to back one initiative.

Savage's support was welcomed by the Lancashire branch of Relate, the parenting advice group, who have also issued advice on how families should approach the World Cup.

Vicky Cuthbertson, chief executive officer, said: "It could be quite a useful way of re-bonding with your family if you make an event of it and you're all interested and want to watch."

Among advice offered to parents is eating together at least once a week, keeping fit together, having fun learning together and communicating with your teenager.

For more information go to www.direct.gov.uk/parentknowhow or call Relate on 01772 717597.