IT'S that time of year again when my beloved dad will, on cue, start banging on about the Black and Decker Workmate.

He never got one, you see, so it's become a standing joke for him to pick up his gift-wrapped Father's Day cigar, give it a good shake before declaring "its the Black and Decker Workmate!"

Once we've recovered from the ensuing hilarity, its time for kisses, cuddles and a trip to the pub to toast the other old man in our lives.

It's a ritual my sister and I, along with most others across the globe, indulge in every year and tempting as it might be to pass Father's Day off with a sniff of cynicism, it's still a cherished tradition.

Everyone likes to feel special, after all - even grumpy dads who spend Sundays slumped in Homer-esque armchairs with their trusty tabloids - and with a consumer market bursting at the seams, it's not that hard to find a unique token of love and appreciation.

While many still plump for the standard socks, car accessories or golfing equipment, you could engage the imagination and opt for something a little more atmospheric.

A trip to the races is guaranteed to get dad's blood up, whether it be with elation or pure frustration, and Worcester Racecourse happens to have its first evening meet next Wednesday.

Tickets can be booked in advance - £5 for centre course, £10 for tattersalls and £15 to access all areas including the members suite - and vouchers (£2, £5 and £10) for him to place a few bets are a dead cert to make him smile.

If you fancy splashing out even further, a three-course meal in the members' restaurant will set you back £26 while a 12-meet season ticket costs £120.

Despite recent bad press from a national broadsheet, which dubbed it second worse in the country, I can personally vouch for the venue's great entertainment value.

And with toe tapping Irish quintet, The Hookey's, singing and dancing in between races, next week's meet should be a good craic. For more information, call 01905 25364.

While some dads are more than happy with a pair of cheap and cheerful socks, those with a bit of vision might appreciate something slightly more thought provoking.

A pair of socks and a herd of goats, perhaps?

You may raise an eyebrow, but with international aid agency World Vision's Alternative Gift Catalogue, you can clothe dad's feet and make a gesture to struggling families in the Third World.

"Father's Day gifts are the same every year and most dads know what they will receive before they even open it," said spokesman Andrea Stephens.

"But with the £10 you would spend on a pair of socks or a tie, you can provide four fruit trees for a family in Vietnam that will improve their diet and health, allow them to sell produce at local markets and also earn a little extra income.

A bottle of malt whisky costs £30 and buys a piglet for a family in South East Asia, allowing them to raise money from pig sales.

It can also provide an emergency survival pack for earthquake, flood and famine hit areas.

Golfing equipment costs £25, enough to train eight health visitors in Ethiopia and a bottle of £30 aftershave will buy enough seeds to feed a family for a year.

A footie season ticket for £295 will help an African woman set up a sewing career and 18 months business training and forking out £17 for a CD and wrapping paper will buy immunisation for a child against six killer diseases.

More information on the World Vision Alternative Gift catalogue can be found at www.worldvision.org.uk or by calling 0800 501010.