PROUD mum Tina Shipperbottom had a real family event when her new baby boy arrived quicker than expected.

Paramedics didn't even have chance to get Tina to an ambulance before little Blau arrived into the world two days early.

Mother-of-three Tina, 31, of Gillibrand Street, Darwen, was already in labour when her partner, Jim Hogan, returned home just before 8am on Monday morning.

He had been to collect Tina's mother, Margaret Shipperbotton, from Bolton after Tina started with pains.

The couple's two other children Jamie, 10 and Nikkita, who is two on Saturday, were also at home anxiously waiting for their new playmate to arrive.

Paramedic Chris Fraser-Clark and leading ambulanceman Pete Washington, both based at Darwen, helped to deliver the healthy baby, who weighed 6Ibs 13ozs.

Chris said: "When we arrived the family were panicking.

"We decided to take Tina upstairs and the baby arrived within minutes. Dad was able to cut the umbilical cord and the children and grandma all came in for a cuddle.

"It's always nice when you help bring a new life into the world especially when we often have to deal with the more depressing side of life."

Tina said: "I still can't believe Blau is here. It all happened so quickly.

"It was nice to have all the family around me and I can't thank the paramedics enough for what they did."

Jim added: "His birth was very sudden and unexpected but very welcome.

"We picked the name Blau because it is unusual and we have liked it for a long time."

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