A FAMILY has welcomed the addition of a fifth generation and baby Bradley Stuart Markwick already has a special place in the family history - he is the first boy to be born to the family in 42 years.

Grandmother Margaret Morton, 42, said: "My mum had all girls and I did, there's no boys on our side of the family so he's really special."

The future looked bleak for the family last year as in November Ms Morton's mother Bell Turnbull, 59, was diagnosed with leukaemia and her father suffered a heart attack. But news that they were to become great grandparents gave them a boost and both are now in full health.

Ms Morton said the news of a boy was particularly welcomed by the male members of the family.

She said: "My dad is quite pleased. He's got another man in the house now."

Bradley Stuart lives with his mother, Charmaine Parkin, in Brighton. The rest of the family live in Sherburn village, near Durham.