Kevin Federline named dad of the year

Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline has been named dad of the year by Details magazine.

The magazine praised Kevin, 29, for stepping up his fathering skills - but his friends insist he always was a great father.

Since Britney's meltdown earlier this month, Kevin was granted full custody of sons Sean Preston, two, and 16-month-old Jayden James.

A pal said:  "He is an all-round great dad.

"For most guys in Kevin's situation, home would be the ultimate bachelor pad. But for Kevin, he made it all about the kids. He's got toys everywhere. You can totally tell it's all about the kids at home."

Kevin also has a five-year-old daughter Kori and a three-year-old son Kaleb, from his relationship with Shar Jackson. Though he ditched Shar for Britney Spears when she was pregnant with their second child, she still maintains he is a good father.

She said: "He's just happy that the boys are safe. That's his biggest thing, making sure the kids are happy."

Another friend of the wannabe rapper is furious that Kevin is only now being recognized as a good father.

The insider said: "It makes me furious when people say, 'Oh great - he's taking responsibility.' He's always been a great father. He's been there in every way for all of his kids."

Kevin and Britney's legal team are due in court today for a custody hearing regarding Sean and Jayden.

Britney was stripped of her three supervised visits with her sons earlier this month after she held them hostage on January 3.