NEWBORN Ruby Hooper's arrival created a ripple of excitement as she emerged into the world as Fairfield Hospital's first ever water baby!

Delighted mother Jane gave birth to her 8lbs 1oz daughter in the hospital's maternity bathing pool after midwives agreed to an underwater delivery. The pair are in fine health, with Ruby now getting used to life at home in Rupert Street, Radcliffe.

Jane (32) spent the late stages of a three-and-half hour labour in the pool, regularly used by mums ahead of more conventional deliveries.

She enjoyed it so much that the family asked if her baby could be delivered underwater.

Although the request was initially turned down, it became possible when a member of staff with experience in water deliveries arrived on duty.

Ruby was born at 3.27pm on her due date of June 23, with Jane's husband Stephen and other relatives present.

And the birth was very different for Jane to that of her six-year-old son Stephen.

She said: "Ruby was underwater for quite a while, which was an amazing thing to see, although it did make me quite nervous at first.

"The staff were wonderful and, as well as calming and reassuring me, they were really interested in what was going on.

"I had not thought about what it would be like it before but it was a really nice experience. It seemed to be a lot calmer and more relaxed, and the water was lovely and warm.

"It is wonderful that Ruby is the hospital's first water birth -- as though she achieved something the moment she was born."