McCartneys 'ecstatic' over baby

Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills married in 2002

Sir Paul McCartney's wife Heather Mills has given birth to a daughter, three weeks earlier than planned.

Beatrice Milly McCartney, weighing seven pounds, was delivered at a hospital in north London on Tuesday.

The former Beatle, who was present at the birth, and his wife said afterwards that they were "ecstatic".

Sir Paul, 61, already has three grown-up children and married Mills, 35, in June 2002.

There were reports in the newspapers that the couple were celebrating the birth of a son but these were soon dismissed.

'Doing well'

A statement issued by the couple said: "Heather and Paul McCartney are delighted to announce the birth of their baby daughter Beatrice Milly McCartney.

"The baby, who arrived three weeks early, weighed in at a healthy 7lbs and both she and mum are doing well.

"They said, 'She is a little beauty and we couldn't be prouder'."

The baby is named after Heather Mills' late mother Beatrice and Sir Paul's aunt Milly.

"They added, 'Our immediate family were told the news right away and are all as overjoyed as we are at the early arrival of our little bundle of joy'."

Heather's father Mark said he was delighted at the birth of his first grandchild.

The 61-year-old is reported to have fallen out with his daughter but he said he hoped the new baby could bring them together again.

Proud

The new grandfather said: "This is my first one and it is a grand time for me and I love the new baby.

"I am very proud of my daughter and what she has achieved."

The couple announced in May that they were expecting a child.

Three months earlier she had told TV interviewer Michael Parkinson that there was little chance she would be able to conceive.

"The chances of me getting pregnant are about that much," she said, holding her thumb and finger an inch apart.