BURNLEY MP Kitty Ussher has spoken of her delight at the newest addition to her family.

George Patrick Colley was born at Burnley General Hospital at 7.37pm on Thursday after a day-long labour. He weighed 8lb 6.5oz.

Mrs Ussher, 36, who is married to Pete Colley, said that her two-year-old daughter Lizzie is thrilled to be a big sister.

She is now due to take four months' leave from her London duties as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

But she said that the new arrival would not stop her from doing her constituency duties.

Mrs Ussher, who had to have stitches, stayed in hospital for two days after the birth and came home on Saturday morning.

She said: "I was lucky to have a natural birth and everything went smoothly though I got into hospital too late to have an epidural. I went into hospital at 4pm and had George by 7pm.

"We found out that we were having a boy at the 20-week scan. I am from a family of girls and we have Lizzie so it's really nice to have one of each.

"We didn't decided on his name until 24 hours after he was born. We both liked the name George but had a few names in mind, we called him Patrick after my father.

"He has quite fair hair and blue eyes at the moment but they might change colour still.

"He's gorgeous, we are going to call him gorgeous George.

"The staff at the hospital were amazing. I can't thank them enough.

"George is waking up for a feed about every four hours, I'm a bit knackered but we are both happy and healthy."

Mrs Ussher said that her Burnley office would continue to run as normal and constituents would still be able to contact her.

She said: "I will be available for my constituency duties."

"We haven't organised childcare yet but we are probably getting a nanny in."

Pete, 36, head of commercial perform-ance at Network Rail, said: "I was with Kitty at the birth and every-thing went smoothly."