The stormy weather on Monday (12 December) meant a Hawkinge mother arriving at hospital in Ashford, had to give birth in the back of the family car when it was discovered she was too far into labour to move her.

Caelyn McDonnell went into labour three weeks early, which meant driving the 16 miles to the William Harvey Hospital, in Ashford.

Due to the bad weather, the journey which normally would take around 20 minutes, took 40 minutes and when she arrived at the hospital, staff decided she was too far into labour to be moved.

Caelyn gave birth in the car with the help of paramedics and a midwife.

The mother and her baby boy, who has not yet been named, are now back at home.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©