A PREMATURE baby born 16 weeks early has been celebrating his first birthday.

Little Ethan Currill had two reasons to celebrate yesterday as he was also christened at St John in Bedwardine Church, Worcester, in front of proud mum and dad Catherine and Edward.

About 50 friends and family gathered in the church to cheer the youngster who has so far overcome every obstacle life has thrown at him.

He was born with under-developed lungs, a heart condition which needed corrective surgery and a bleed on the brain.

Despite it all the tot has battled through with the help of his parents and the NHS.

For Mr and Mrs Currill, yesterday’s celebrations were a world away from the dark days spent with their son as he lay hooked up to medical machines fighting for his life.

“It’s been a very busy year, but to reach this point is really fantastic,” said Mrs Currill, of Lower Wick.

“It has really flown by,” said Mr Currill.

Ethan, wearing a smart white shirt, black waistcoat and cheeky smile was baptised by assistant Bishop of Worcester the Rt Rev Christopher Mayfield.

He told the congregation of how baptism was like signing for a Premier League football team, and that his parents, relatives and godparents were like the team coaches.

“You will teach him how to play and how to score his goals,” he said. Mr Currill is already trying to get his son to follow him into supporting Manches-ter United.

As he was baptised, Ethan seemed a little surprised by the water on his forehead but was otherwise unflustered.

Afterwards there was a party at the Art House Cafe in Worcester city centre where people raised a glass to the little fighter.

Mrs Currill, of Regina Close, said: “It has been amazing how far he’s come – he’s incredible. We’re extremely lucky.”

The youngster, born weighing 1lb 14.05oz, has avoided any long-term problems and is developing well, now weighing a far healthier 19lb.

The only remaining problem is a cyst on his windpipe, which is being treated.

Close family mark Ethan’s actual birthday tomorrow and are planning a knees-up for Ethan’s due date dubbed his Birth ‘2B’ Day, on Friday, February 19, next year.