BUYING any man a present is never easy, but Father’s Day is an absolute minefield because there are just so many terrible presents you can buy – and we don’t just mean the usual tat like comedy ties and nasal hair trimmers.

Only last year a book about Josef Fritzl – arguably one of the worst dads in the world, ever – was being promoted as a Father’s Day gift by at least two High Street stores!

Even buying a suitable card is a challenge. You’re either faced with a range of unfunny jokes or a small selection of themes limited to beer, football, gardens or golf.

And at least Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, has some historical basis. Born out of the sacred rites of the Holy Church in the 16th century, it was a day to celebrate the role of the Virgin Mary in the life of Christ, and for women to re-establish their family bonds.

Father’s Day, on the other hand, was invented by Hallmark!

It seems many dads are dreading unwrapping their presents too – especially if it’s a pair of socks which topped their list of worst-rated gifts.

At least dads in Scotland are set to have a better time on Sunday. For although the average spend on a Father’s Day gift is £20, 25 per cent of people surveyed in Inverness said they would be spending £100 on their dads. This compared to just 17 per cent of Londoners and 2.9 per cent in Canterbury, according to buyagift.com.

But help is close to hand if you’re stuck for inspiration. For two enterprising local companies have come up with a joint solution – beer-flavoured chocolates.

Chococo the Purbeck Chocolate Company and Ringwood brewery have been working together to create a pint-shaped handmade chocolate made with Venezuelan dark chocolate, fresh Dorset cream and the flavour of Old Thumper beer.

The chocs, which were trialed last year, proved so popular the two award-winning producers have once again joined forces to offer this unlikely delicacy in time for June 20.

Chris Keating, brand manager at Ringwood Brewery, said: “I think I can speak for dads across the country when I say that both beer and chocolate are what we look forward to on Father’s Day.

“By teaming up with Chococo we have managed to create a local treat that combines these two fatherly favourites using the finest ingredients.

“And if mums are feeling left out I’m sure they can indulge themselves with these delicious chocolates as well.”