WHEN little Selina Chantel Houghton came into the world three months early and weighing less than a bag of sugar, doctors gave her only a 50-50 chance of survival.

But ten months later she has beaten the odds to become a picture of health who tips the scales at 12lbs 9oz and is "full of beans" according to delighted mum, Susan.

Selina was born three months prematurely last October at Whiston Hospital and spent the first months of her life being moved between there and the Womens' Hospital in Liverpool, where she was being closely monitored by concerned doctors and her anxious parents, Susan and Christopher.

Susan, from Clock Face Road, Clock Face, told the Star: "It was a complete shock when Selina was born prematurely I couldn't stop panicking. She was so tiny I could hardly see her when she was wrapped up in blankets and I couldn't hold her until she was 11 days old".

And to add their problems, Selina was re-admitted to hospital after Christmas with bronchitis.

Dad, Christopher explained the family's anguish as they waited each day to hear whether their baby girl would survive. "We phoned and visited the hospital every day to see if Selina was going to be alright, but her situation was up and down each day. It was such a terrible time for both of us".

Happily though, Selina battled through and Susan added: "Selina is a healthy baby now and it is such a relief for both of us. Doctors have said that we will have to wait until she grows to see if she's going to be completely alright, but we are trying not to think too much about that".