A FATHER who delivered his girlfriend’s baby has been described as a “hero” by his partner.

Damian Harrison, 26, of Silverdale Close, Blackburn, knew that his partner of four years was planning a home birth, but did not think he would have to stand in for the midwife.

His girlfriend, Patrisia Chadwick, also 26, spent a restless night on Sunday before waking up around 5am. Baby Cienna Chadwick was born at 5.56am on Monday, 20 minutes before the midwife arrived.

Patrisia said: “This was my first home birth and it was quite scary without a midwife, but Damian was a hero. He was very quick and very calm. One minute my waters had broken, the next you could see the baby’s head, and then Damian just caught her! It just happened so quickly.”

Damian said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be honest. It really was an experience.”

Cienna is Patrisia’s fourth child, and the couple’s first.