AS leader of a busy council, David Walsh is used to being asked to deliver services to his taxpayers, but the latest request took him completely by surprise - being asked to deliver a baby.

A midwife from Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, has gone on holiday and accidentally diverted her calls to Councillor Walsh's mobile phone.

Coun Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said the woman, who he knows only as Zoe, appears to have mistakenly dialled a wrong digit.

"I have had several calls and she is obviously a very popular midwife who is trusted by her clients.

"All of them have been a bit upset when they hear me, but I am just reassuring them that she is on holiday and referring them to their health clinic.

"I am being very nice and sympathetic. Nobody has been in labour yet, but one woman was quite close! I am just remembering the John Wayne films and am making sure I have lots of hot water and towels ready."

Ian Carpenter, of Doncaster Central Primary Care Trust, said: "We are pleased with the co-operation and goodwill that Coun Walsh has showed and we would like to thank him for that.

"Our midwives are very conscientious, even when they are on holiday so that they can keep in touch with their patients, but we would want to apologise for this mix-up."