A YOUNG man got a birthday present he will never forget - a baby daughter.

Amanda Longford, 18, of Malvern, South Stanley, was staying with her mother in Standish Street, South Moor, last Friday night, preparing to celebrate the twenty-third birthday of her fianc, Lee Armstrong.

She gave her man more than he bargained for, when she went into labour on Saturday morning at around 9.30am and gave birth to a girl, Porschaleigh.

Her mother, Sharon Barrett, 45, delivered a 6lb 14oz healthy baby.

Amanda said: "I couldn't believe how quick it happened. It was over within about 20 minutes.

"Mum was amazing and our baby daughter was the perfect birthday present for Lee."

Both mum and baby were given a clean bill of health by paramedics and the midwife, who arrived about half-an-hour later.

Mrs Barrett, who is a mother-of-four and has two other grandchildren, said she was left with little choice but to deliver the baby.

She said: "It all happened so fast. I was delivering the baby, Lee was watching along with my husband Paul, and son Connor.

"I was terrified but I had to do it. It all ran smoothly and everything was fine.

"I was panicking, but it happened so fast I knew I just had to get on and do it.

"I could see the baby's head and knew it was coming fast. When the baby was born, I just picked her up and gave her to Amanda.

"It was a really lovely moment for everyone.

"The paramedics arrived and the midwife came about half-an-hour later. It was a fantastic experience for all of us."

Lee, who is unemployed, said: "What a birthday present. I always planned to be at the birth, but I always thought it would be in hospital.

"One thing's for sure, and that is I will never forget Porschaleigh's birthday."

Mr Barrett, 33, said: "Both mum and daughter were great.

"Sharon has certainly never done anything like this before and she was faced with having to deliver a baby.

"Lee wanted to be at the birth but we never thought all of us would be there for it."