Joy at premature baby homecoming

A baby boy who was born 16 weeks premature has been allowed home after more than seven months in hospital.

Noah Harper weighed just 1lb 6oz - less than two thirds of a kilogram - when he was born at Walsall Manor Hospital in July 2005.

He has undergone six operations and suffered many health complications.

His father Richard Harper said he and his wife Katharine are delighted to have their son home back home at Chasetown, Staffordshire.

'Like a new-born'

Mrs Harper gave birth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, after which doctors estimated Noah was unlikely to live beyond 48 hours.

Not only did Noah survive an early blood infection, he overcame a perforated bowel, a liver cyst, three hernias, a collapsed lung, laser eye surgery and several operations on his bowel.

Richard Harper, 30, told BBC News: "He struggles with his breathing, but he's as normal as any other baby.

"He's seven and a half months old, but he's like a new-born."

We've had a tremendous amount of support Richard Harper

Mr Harper told of his family's relief at finally getting Noah home.

"It's an unbelievable feeling. Obviously we didn't think we'd get where we are now - it's been a long journey.

"The family's been fantastic, we've had a tremendous amount of support. We've hardly been here (at home) but we've had help with all the day-to-day jobs in the house.

"And the staff at all the hospitals have been brilliant. We've made a lot of new friends."