A first-time father has an extra special reason to be proud - because he delivered his newborn son himself.

Carpenter Gavin Bashford, 32, had to take on midwife duties when his partner Emma Watkins, 25, went into labour on their bathroom floor.

With the help of an emergency services operator, Mr Bashford was guided through what he needed to do and successfully delivered Cameron, a healthy 8lb 8oz boy.

He said: "It's really great to be the first person to hold your child. It was quite an experience, but it's not a situation I'd like to find myself in again."

The couple, from Pavilion Road, Worthing, had been to hospital after Miss Watkins' contractions started at about 12.30pm on Monday but were told the baby was not yet due and were sent home with instructions to return the next day.

When they got home Mr Bashford started to run a bath for his partner and went to phone his mother. Miss Watkins sat waiting on the toilet, the only place she felt comfortable. Moments later she went into labour.

She called out to Mr Bashford who helped her on to the floor and phoned for an ambulance. He was told one would be dispatched immediately, along with a midwife, but the baby's head had already begun to show. He dialled 999 again and, with the help of the operator, delivered the baby.

Mother and baby were checked by a midwife who arrived shortly after the birth and were able to stay at home among friends and family.

Miss Watkins said: "Gavin was fantastic. He did everything so well. It looks like he could have a career in midwifery if he ever fancies it."

Last month another Worthing father also delivered his own child. Paul Borthwick turned midwife when his wife Abi went into labour while the couple were waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

He delivered 8lb 11oz baby Lily on the living room floor of their home in Rackham Road, Tarring.