A COUPLE who were living in a tent 11 months ago paid tribute to the charity that rescued their lives - by naming their baby after it.

Pauline O'Neill and Wayne Gibson said that without Blackburn-based THOMAS (Those on the Margins of Society) their son, 6lb 1oz Thomas, born yesterday at 2.40am, would not have existed.

Wayne's 10-year alcohol problem had hit rock bottom in January this year as the homeless couple bought a two-man tent and lived for a fortnight on Eccleshill, near Darwen.

At the end of those two weeks, they sought help from THOMAS's drop-in centre, in France Street, Blackburn and arrived there wearing all they owned. Within a day, support staff at the charity found them a house and Wayne, 31, was enrolled on a rehabilitation programme.

The couple had been trying to have a baby for three years, but Pauline, 20, ironically, became pregnant days after Wayne had given up drink.

Pauline has no addictions and staff at THOMAS said she 'melted their hearts' with the way she stood by and looked after Wayne.

Vivienne Hoyle, senior community support worker, said: "Within a day of arriving, they were known as Romeo and Juliet. The love and commitment they have for each other is amazing.

"We have had Wayne in tears because he couldn't go on and Pauline was there wiping his eyes. Wayne has turned his life around remarkably and the support from Pauline has got him through it.

"We were all in tears when they said they were naming the baby Thomas. It is an amazing tribute."

Wayne, speaking of his alcohol problem, said: "I was drinking very heavily. It was very difficult. I was drinking cider, usually five to six litres a day, although once I drunk 21.5 litres in a day. Things got so bad we lived in the tent for two weeks. It rained every day."

Pauline added: "It was very hard work. It was like living with a big kid. Sometimes he would wet himself and I would wait until he was asleep and change his clothes. I love him millions. Now he is an adult again."

Wayne said of THOMAS: "They were brilliant. You don't need appointments, they were always there when you needed them. We never imagined we could get help like that. Now to have Thomas is amazing. We are over the moon but are living day by day. I would like to thank THOMAS for their support, without them we wouldn't have Thomas."

The couple were also presented with a special award at Queen's Park Hospital yesterday to mark their transformation through THOMAS. They missed the ceremony at Blackburn Town Hall two weeks ago because of the impending birth.