ECKINGTON accountant Tim Knight made an impromptu career change when he was forced to deliver his own son at home.

His wife Nikki Knight, aged 31, gave birth to the couple's second son on the living room floor after just a two-hour labour. The baby's head began to emerge as Mr Knight was loading his wife's hospital bag into the car.

Mrs Knight said: "I went into panic mode but I did not have much choice in the matter. You just have to deal with it."

The mother-to-be's elder sister Jackie was on hand with towels and hot water. But Mr Knight's only medical assistance during the birth was the voice of an operator following a 999 call.

The proud father said: "We found out later that it was the first time that particular operator had dealt with a call like ours. In the end I was just relieved the baby was healthy."

Mrs Knight said: "The midwife was a bit shocked to say the least. It was a bit of a shock for us too!"

Both mother and baby James Henry, who weighed in at almost 10 pounds, were transferred to hospital in Cheltenham. They were released just hours later.

However there was one family member who remained unfazed by events.

The Knights' eldest son Jack, aged 2, slept through the whole drama. His first reaction at being presented with a new brother was one of slight displeasure. He had been expecting a baby sister.