GLYNN Clarkson, one of four fathers facing a massive legal bill for painting a door purple, says the number of people joining a pressure group has almost tripled in two weeks.

Glynn says the Government agency which took him and three other men from Fathers 4 Justice to court has shot itself in the foot with such a vigorous legal action, which he says was politically motivated.

He added: "If it was meant to discourage activism among Fathers 4 Justice members it has had the opposite effect.

"There will be an upsurge in activity in Yorkshire.

"We have seen a massive increase in membership in Yorkshire, from 300 to 800 in just two weeks," he said.

Glynn, 29, of Kirkheaton, and three other dads from the Huddersfield branch of Fathers 4 Justice face a whopping legal bill - possibly be as high as £23,000 - after they were accused of painting the door of the Cafcass office in Batley purple.

Cafcass stands for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

Its officials produce court reports when separating couples cannot agree who should be the main carer for their children, or how much access the other should have.

Dubbed the Huddersfield Four, the others are Neil Hill, of Lowerhouses; Andrew Lindley, from Outlane; and Paul Midgley, of Wakefield. They were pursued through Huddersfield County Court by Cafcass for £511 for the cost of the damage.

The four - who between them had already run up £35,000 in court bills to gain access to their children - thought the amount was excessive and refused to pay.

After legal proceedings started they offered £400, which was rejected.

They wanted the case to be heard in the small claims court, but the judge refused. Then Cafcass's solicitor applied for the case to be heard quickly.

The judge agreed and the four lost their argument that they were not to blame and that the amount of damages claimed was excessive.

The four will now have to pay Cafcass's costs, which they were told just before the hearing were almost £23,000.

Cafcass says the figure is £11,800.

Glynn said: "Cafcass says its role is to promote the welfare of children. Hitting us with such high costs will not promote the welfare of our children, as we won't be able to pay the Child Support Agency."

Fathers 4 Justice believes Cafcass should be replaced with compulsory mediation.

* The Huddersfield Four's website address is www. huddersfield4.com