MIRACLE baby Madeline Maye Jones is back home - three months after being born weighing just 22 OUNCES!

And for mum and dad Gina and Vinny it was an emotional moment after the heartache of losing baby Chloe Louise nine years ago.

Tiny Madeline arrived home at St Joseph's Avenue, Whitefield, on August 21 - the anniversary of her sister's death.

She was born on May 26 weighing one pound six ounces and endured 12 weeks in intensive care at Bury's Fairfield General Hospital.

Dr Sheila Will, consultant in public health medicine at Bury and Rochdale Health Authority said: "Madeline is one of the smallest babies ever to survive in Bury. In Bury and Rochdale more than 98 per cent of babies weigh more than Madeline when they are born. She has done incredibly well."

Happily Madeline battled through and now weighs a healthy four pounds 12 ounces.

As she cuddled her little bundle of joy, mum Gina said: "The daughter I lost nine years ago weighed two pounds two ounces. Madeline was a lot smaller so we really weren't sure she would pull through.

"She has had a tough time over the last twelve weeks. She has had all kinds of tests in hospital - including heart and brain scans. "The sisters and midwives in the special care baby unit have been absolutely marvellous. I want to let people know just how good they really were.

"We are over the moon now and, fingers crossed, she will carry on in good health.

"Most babies are born heavier than Madeline and I knew hospital staff were very uncertain about whether or not she would pull through. But in the end they said she was the best they had ever known.

"And with the technology and expertise available today, Madeline's story can give hope to parents in a similar position."

Gina (31) spent endless hours at her daughter's side while Vinny (37), carried on as the breadwinner between daily hospital vigils.

"I used to talk to her and tell her how things were going to be when she came home."

Madeline's aunt, Debbie Colgan, who lives a few doors away, looked after Gina's son Bradley (8) during the crisis.

She said: "It really was touch and go for Madeline. In the early days she was very delicate but she came through."

Gina added: "I was at the hospital all day, every day. But Madeline is a real fighter, as tough as they come."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.