MILITANT fathers campaigning for equal rights to care for their children are set to stand for Hampshire seats at the next general election.

The county's co-ordinator for Fathers-4-Justice (F4J) said the group intended to become a political force.

The group plans to target marginal constituencies and could split the vote, causing political mayhem.

F4J parliamentary co-ordinator Gary Burch said the group was still in the process of forming its strategy but Hampshire seats may well be targeted.

"A certain amount will depend on the stance of the existing parties in the area and the incumbent MPs but Southampton and Portsmouth may figure in our plans," he said.

"We want to put the issue of the family not only on the agenda but to make it an election-winning issue.

"This is something that we have to do. I was in favour of us putting up candidates at the recent local elections but we couldn't get organised in time.

"The Hampshire group will support this fully."

Southampton Itchen MP John Denham, who could be one of the sitting MPs targeted, welcomed the competition - but said the group faced a tough challenge.

"Everybody has a right to stand in elections," said the Labour backbencher. "Democratic campaigning for change is a far better way of doing things than the disruptive and irresponsible actions that this pressure group has often indulged in, and which has sadly had the effect of labelling fathers who have a genuine case as extremists with no real point of view.

"In politics, single issue groups do find it hard in major elections, that's no barrier to people putting their view forward if they want to."

Thousands of men - along with unhappy grandparents and other family members - have joined F4J.

In Hampshire the group has more than 400 recruits.

Mr Burch added: "I am dealing with about 120 inquiries a week from men and their families.

"We have a stand operating every Saturday and wehave loads of women coming up to offer their support."

F4J founder Matt O'Connor said: "We believe we enjoy massive public support.

"We can bring the votes of thousands of our members and their relatives to bear in marginal constituencies.

"The battle for our children will be the battle of the next election.

"We must throw the weight of our machine into influencing the outcome of the next election."