Father helps deliver baby

Ann Robotham did not know she was pregnant

A proud father helped to save his baby daughter's life during her unexpected birth in Stoke-on-Trent.

Baby Reanne was delivered at home by her father Robert Stone who followed instructions over the phone from Staffordshire paramedic Sean Coleman.

Mother Ann Robotham did not even know she was pregnant and had just finished a 12 hour shift when she went into labour.

The baby girl, who is the couple's first child, was born with the umbilical cord around her neck but her father managed to follow medical advice and ensured her safe delivery.

Safe delivery

"I didn't have a chance to panic, it just had to be done and panicking wouldn't have helped," said Mr Stone, who works at an express delivery company.

"From what I've gathered the paramedic probably saved the baby's life just by talking to me on the phone."

Paramedic Sean Coleman said: "We acted 50-50, I was Robert's guidance and Robert was my eyes , ears and hands."

Mother and baby are now recovering at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

"If it wasn't for them at the end of the phone, I don't know what would have happened," said Ms Robotham.