Father describes moment he delivered baby Holly in Lidl car park

Peterlee couple Natasha Thomson and her partner Marc Voyzey were driving to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton on Friday morning, after the 33-year-old started experiencing contractions.

As her pain grew the pair realised they would not make it to the hospital in time and Mr Voyzey decided he would keep driving to Peterlee Ambulance Station base, but was told to stay put so paramedics could find them.

The pair were forced to pull into the Lidl supermarket car park and attempt to deliver the baby themselves.

Mr Voyzey decided he would have to take up the daunting task in the front seat of his Seat Leon.

He put on his hazard lights and was guided through the birth by a 999 operator.

The scaffolder said: “She’s actually not due till the 26th but Natasha wasn’t going to make it to the hospital. She did so well but was in so much pain.

“On that morning I started heading to the ambulance station in Peterlee knowing that’s where they were going to leave from but they told us to stay put so they could find us.

"The closest place beside stopping on the main road was Lidl car park, off Essington Way.

“Natasha was giving birth and people could fully see and hear what was going on it was such a surreal moment.

“The baby was delivered in about five minutes, it happened so quickly and Natasha did so well. Thankfully I was there for the birth of Charlotte, so I new what was happening and someone was talking to me all the time – otherwise I don't know what I’d of done.

“People from houses nearby have congratulated us as they heard Natasha giving birth and looked out their window to see us. Since the birth, people in the town call her the ‘Lidl Baby’.

“It’s such a funny story we’ll be able to tell her when she’s older I mean what’s the chances of it happening?”

The pair have named their new arrival Holly Jasmine and said they are delighted at her arrival – despite the sleepless nights.

Holly made her entrance into the world weighing 7lb 5oz and has already developed a strong bond with brother Lucas, seven, and sister Charlotte, two.

Shortly after the birth, a crew from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) arrived, and checked mother and baby were both healthy.

The family then went to the hospital for further checks where they stayed for 14 hours, due to the ward being busy.

The couple are now at home and adapting to family life with their new addition.

Mr Voyzey said: “We’ve received dozens of texts from friends and messages on social media from people in the town who heard about the birth.

"One friend said Tasha was famous. There's been a really strong reaction and people are really pleased for us and a little bit shocked I think.

One well-wisher on social media said: “To the young girl who just had a baby in Lidl car park congratulations.

"Hope mother and baby are both well.”

Another added: “Congratulations and mega well done to Marc for delivering her safely. Pleased you’re both doing ok, what a way to make her appearance!

"She’s absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations again. So lovely to hear of something good happening.”

In response to the kind messages, Miss Thomson posted: “Thank you all so much for your lovely comments. Way too many to thank you all separately.

“It certainly wasn’t how I expected her to come into the world but we are both doing really well and hoping to home by end of the day.”