A mother gave birth on the back seat of a car as her baby made a dramatic appearance on the way to hospital.

Ian Judge was forced to park the family car on a roundabout so he could help his wife Keeli as baby Samuel arrived.

The couple were making their way from their home in Mannings Heath, near Horsham, to the Crowborough Birthing Centre when Keeli realised Samuel was about to arrive.

She said: "My waters broke at around 11.50pm and I rang the centre to tell them. They said to wait a while but then ten to 15 minutes later the contractions started.

"They quickly got stronger and stronger and I realised I was going into labour.

"We called the centre and they said to come in. We had to wait for a friend to come and stay with our daughter but then we were off.

"It was in the middle of the night so we were making good progress.

I was trying to stay calm and urging Ian to be careful and not drive too fast. He was trying to find the least bumpy route and I was hanging on to the back seat.

"The contractions were getting stronger and stronger but we were still not even halfway there when I realised something was happening.

"Suddenly it just got too much and I yelled for him to stop and call the ambulance because the baby was coming."

Ian, 43, an aircraft engineer, braked hard and ended up on by the A272 roundabout at Cuckfield.

As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Ian was given advice and support from the 999 controller.

Keeli, 31, said: "He had a look of panic on his face but he stayed very calm. Considering he can't stand the sight of blood he did really well.

"He was doing everything right but at the last minute the paramedics arrived and were able to take over."

Samuel was born at 1.38am, weighing a healthy 8lb.

Mother and son were taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath to be checked over but both were fine and were able to go home soon afterwards.

Ian said: "The 999 controller was really calm and helpful and stopped me from panicking.

"She asked me to check if I could see the head. I took a look and said oh yes it is and she started explaining about what to do and how to help.

"I did not really think about it. I had no choice and had to get down to it.

"I kept wondering where the ambulance was and it was such a relief when they arrived. I would have done it if they hadn't come in time but I'm glad they did."

Ian and Keeli, of Church Road, who also have a daughter Merrilise, (crct) two, have now recovered from the experience.

Keeli said: "It will certainly be something to tell Samuel when he gets older. It's not many children who can say they were born in the back seat of a car on a roundabout."