THE call of nature sparked mother nature into action for expectant mum Sharon Wilbourne, of York.

Baby Hannah decided it was time to make her arrival just as 26-year-old Sharon went to the loo.

Dad David Wishart arrived home just moments later - to witness Sharon standing in her nightie in the bathroom of their York home, cradling 5lb 12oz Hannah.

"I just stood there thinking: this isn't real," said 31-year-old David today.

He dialled 999 and a midwife and doctor were dispatched to the couple's home in Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, to check that mum and baby were fine. Neither had to go to hospital.

Sharon says she had a stomach ache all day, but did not recognise the start of labour. David was suspicious and had taken their daughter Lauren to Sharon's mother's for the night, just in case the couple needed to dash to hospital. It was as he was returning home, that Sharon gave birth.

Sharon says she still cannot believe what happened.

"I was just chatting to my mum on the telephone, then realised I needed to go to the toilet.

"My waters broke and Hannah just popped out. I pulled her up towards me and she started crying. I just thought, 'Oh my God'. Then I heard David come in and I started screaming, the baby's come."

David ran next door to alert neighbour Cath Berry. Cath said: "He looked really nervous and was shaking. He asked me to come next door because Sharon had had the baby on the toilet. I ran upstairs into the bathroom and she was just standing there holding the baby."

Cath stayed with her until the ambulance arrived.

She says she is amazed how Sharon has taken it all in her stride.

Hannah's dramatic arrival was six days early - but proved to be an excellent birthday present for sister, Lauren, who turned two the next day.

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