Researchers studied the attitudes towards family life of 2,500 dads around Britain who work full-time. They were asked to identify the roles they perceived as their key responsibilities within their own family unit. Three quarters of those questioned said they saw themselves more as a breadwinner than they did as a father.

Just one in two identified 'father' as their first priority while a similar number picked 'husband'. Other roles which many of them they felt they occupied were 'gardener', 'driver', 'repairman' and 'chef'. The study, carried out by discount voucher to mark Fathers' Day, also found seven out of ten fathers would like more time with their kids.A spokesman for Savoo.co.uk said: ''It's worrying so many dads see their role as putting food on the table, rather than as a father figure.

''Dads don't want to feel distanced from their family, but long office hours and lengthy daily commutes means millions of dads miss out on valuable time with their kids. ''They feel under pressure to provide a decent standard of living for their family, but in doing so are potentially damaging their relationship with their children.

''And perhaps the rise of the 'do-it-all mums' means dads are being pushed to the sidelines in the daily goings-on in the family unit and decision making. 'It's a vicious circle - if dads already feel detached from family life, then unless there's a change to their routine, it won't improve.

'It's a difficult balancing act, but it's important to spend time with children and partners at the weekend and anytime during the day. 'Trying to eat dinner around the table three or four times a week, playing football at the park or hearing the kids read will all help family bonding.

''That's why we want children and partners to celebrate Father's Day this Sunday, to show fathers they are appreciated, and for everything they do.'' The study, carried out between the 9th and 11th June, asked dads to select what they felt that their main role was.

Seventy four per cent picked 'breadwinner', 53 per cent picked 'father', 52 per cent opted for 'husband' and 18 per cent went for 'gardener'. Just over one in four picked 'driver', one in three went for 'repair man' and one in six opted for 'chef'. Other roles to make the top ten included 'plumber', 'cleaner' and 'gardener'.