Oh baby! Little Emma Burns popped into the world last Saturday morning, Largs mum Laura was taken by surprise as she ended up giving birth in the hall of her house.

Father James Burns couldn’t believe it as his partner’s waters broke at approximately 8.30am, and phoned 999, while wondering if he would have to deliver the baby himself!

However, local paramedics Martin Robertson 48, and Neilson Grant, 23, arrived on the scene within minutes.

They were able to take charge, as James got to symbolically cut the umbilical cord, and Emma was born in dramatic circumstances.

James, 32, said: “Laura was four days overdue, and we had been up early on Saturday as Laura had morning sickness, We phoned the hospital at 6.30am because her contractions were not as they classify as labour.

“We were told it was ok, her contractions were every five minues, and we were told to bide her time at home, and there was nothing to worry about.

“Then her contractions were about a minute long come 8am, and then Laura’s waters broke just after 8.30, and she realised she had the urge to push!” “We decided to jump in the car at 8.30 and head to Ayrshire maternity unit at Kilmarnock, but Laura said she couldn’t go anywhere, as she needed to push!

“So obviously we headed back into the house, and she collapsed on the hallway, and I phoned the midwife, and the paramedics were on their way.

“We realised that we were going to have to try and go for it here! I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to be doing it myself, but at the same time, I was relieved that the professionals were there!

“Wee Emma was then born at 8.55!” The little bundle of joy was seven pounds, and three ounces, and both mum and daughter were transported to Crosshouse hospital with the paramedics.

Emma’s big brother, also James, had happened to be staying with his gran Myra Martin, who lives in Alexander Avenue, that day, and missed all the drama.

James, who is a scaffolder, said: “The paramedics were fantastic. For Martin, he said it was his seventh delivery, and for the Neilson, it was his first! They came back to visit us later in the week, and were overjoyed too - saying it is these wee things that make their jobs worthwhile!” It is the icing on the cake for James, and girlfriend Laura, 33, who are getting married next year, and no doubt this episode will feature in some of the speeches!

Laura, who works in security at Magnox, Hunterston, said: “I don’t remember much about it to be honest as it all happened so quickly! I just remember how fast it all was. I think there was a moment when I thought I was dreaming as you think - is this really happening? The paramedics were absolutely brilliant, and they were very reassuring with me. It was a lot of drama condensced into a short period of time.

“We had phoned the ambulance at 8.38, and the parmaedics were here by 8.45 which was very quick, and nature took its course.

“James had phoned my mum Myra at 8am to let her know to keep son James for the day as it looked like I would be going into labour, and then he phoned back half an hour later to say: ‘She’s here!’, promoting my mother to say; ‘Who’s here!’ and it took a couple of seconds to realise!’ Both mum and daughter are doing well, and were returned home to Scott Street from the baby unit in midweek.